'Unique connection': Hopes for his return after it emerges Pope Leo spent time in Cork
Newly-elected Pope Leo, Robert Prevost, second from left, alongside his fellow Augustinians Fr Jerry Horan, Fr Pat Moran, and Fr Michael Brennock at St Augustine’s Church in Cork in Easter 2007 to honour Peg Bolton and Marie Finn for their 50 years singing in the choir. Picture: Gerard Bonu
The Lord Mayor of Cork is among the political representatives from Leeside that have given their seal of approval to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, who spent a brief period in Cork in 2007 as part of a visit to Ireland.
Pope Leo XIV spent time in Cork on a visit to friend and Irish priest Fr Tony Finn in 2007. The new pope was pictured on the altar of St Augustin's Church in Cork at the time alongside his fellow Augustinians of Fr Jerry Horan, Fr Pat Moran and Fr Michael Brennock to honour Peg Bolton and Marie Finn for 50 years of service signing in the choir.
Speaking to The Echo, Fianna Fáil Cork city councillor Tony Fitzgerald said the new pope has a “unique connection” to Cork:
“I am delighted with the announcement of the new Pope Leo XIV. I think it is great that he has a connection with the Diocese of Cork and Ross and the work of priests and sisters in Trujillo in Peru.
“There is a great tradition with the support of the people of Cork over many years, to the mission in Peru through the Diocese.
“It is good that he is familiar with the work of our priests and sisters. So, there is a unique connection there from his time as Bishop in Peru.
“I am sure there will be further connections with Pope Leo XIV, in terms of supporting the missions and maybe forging stronger links with Cork and Ireland.”
Cork Lord Mayor Dan Boyle, who also was born in Chicago in the United States similar to the Pope, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, said:
“Dignity instead of lack of respect. Peace instead of war and aggression. In Pope Leo XIV, we clearly have someone who represents those values.”
The new Pope for many years served as a missionary and subsequently as a bishop in Peru. The Diocese of Cork and Ross established a significant missionary presence in Peru in 1965, led by Bishop Cornelius Lucey. This initiative began in the shantytown of La Esperanza, on the outskirts of Trujillo.
Over the years, the mission has expanded to include over 55 priests from Cork, Kerry, and Cloyne dioceses, as well as nuns from the Sisters of Mercy, Bon Secours, and Presentation Congregations. Together they have built churches, schools, clinics, and water systems, while also providing education, healthcare, and vocational training.
Speaking to The Echo on the election of Pope Leo XIV , Independent Ireland Cork North Central TD Ken O’Flynn said:
“I warmly welcome the election of the new Pope and offer him my sincere congratulations as he takes on this profound and historic responsibility.
“In a world facing complex social, economic, and humanitarian challenges, I hope this new papacy will be marked by compassion, unity, and a renewed focus on the core values of dignity, justice, and care for the most vulnerable.
Mr O'Flynn added: “Ireland has a long and enduring relationship with the Holy See, and I look forward to seeing that relationship continue to develop under the leadership of the new Pontiff. May his tenure be one of peace, wisdom, and positive change for all.”
Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central added that he feels Pope Leo XIV holds the necessary experience for the position:
“I welcome his appointment because it is someone who, while he has academic achievement, also has got the expertise of working in very difficult areas. Where there is poverty and where he had to work with people in those circumstances. “
But Mr Burke added:
“The challenge that is here in Ireland is the fact that many of the priests that are there now are over 60 years old.
“Any of the priests that are retiring, they are finding it difficult to get replacements. I presume that is one of the issues they will be looking at.”
Speaking to The Echo, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central hopes the new Pope can build on the work done by Pope Francis.
“The appointment of a Pope is a very significant moment, for Catholics here in Cork and across the world. He has big shoes to fill. Pope Francis carried out his role with great humility, dignity and compassion for the poor and marginalised.
“I do not know a great deal of Pope Leo. However, from what I have read he is very socially minded, and I hope that he continues the work of Pope Francis. I wish him all the very best and that he will be a voice for peace, compassion and mercy."
In a statement, the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins offered his “warmest congratulations” to the newly elected Pope.
"Pope Leo XIV assumes this important role at a time of great challenges for the world.
"I send Pope Leo my very best wishes as he begins his Pontificate, and I welcome his statement that he is prepared to lead with compassion, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the values of peace, justice, and human dignity.”
However, Social Democrats Cork East TD Liam Quaide said he felt significant change in the church under his tenure was “unlikely”
"It's welcome to see a Pope elected who has a track record in defending vulnerable groups such as migrants, in promoting climate action and in speaking truth to power, including to Vance and Trump.
“However, Leo XIV's opposition to the ordination of women and historical, retrograde comments about the LGBT community make it unlikely we'll see fundamental, necessary change in the church under his tenure."
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