Béal na Bláth hears of hope Pope will tackle ‘hurt’

IRELAND needs to express its “deep collective hurt as a flock abandoned” to Pope Francis, according to Fine Gael Agriculture Minister Michael Creed.

Delivering the annual Béal na Bláth oration, Mr Creed said that one of the biggest contrasts between now and Michael Collins’ time is the role of the Catholic Church in Irish life.

He said that the Church has a “devastating legacy” but said that great strides had been made to separate Church and state in recent years.

“The steady separation of Church and state in recent times is good for both. Constitutional reform, including divorce, the repeal of the 8th amendment, and marriage equality are evidence of an endeavour to have a Constitution that is fit for purpose in a modern democracy,” he said.

Mr Creed, a practicing Catholic, said that many others like him are uncomfortable with some aspects of the Church, but hopes that Pope Francis can assist them in tackling it.

“It is in the context of this discomfort that I believe that we should extend a ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ to Pope Francis; a Pope named after Saint Francis – who himself often took the road less travelled and gave Church authorities a difficult time. Our capacity for welcome is as innate an Irish characteristic as our predisposition towards spirituality. We should use the opportunity to impart on Pope Francis our deep felt collective hurt as a flock abandoned. And, in turn, I hope he may offer the comfort, guidance and grace of the shepherd our faithful seek,” he said.