Scottish Catholic Observer

The new Papal nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles John Brown, has pledged to ‘solidify and strengthen’ the relationship between the Holy See and Ireland.

Presenting his letters of credence to President Michael Higgins (above), Archbishop Brown said that Pope Benedict XVI has asked him to convey his personal esteem to the president as well as his ‘best wishes and sincere affection’ for the Irish people.

“It is an honour, indeed a source of joy for me to bring you heartfelt greetings from His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI,” the nuncio said, reading a prepared statement. “The Holy Father has asked me to convey in a particular way his esteem for you as president of this great nation as well as his best wishes and sincere affection for all the people of Ireland. His Holiness assures you, and all the Irish people, of remembrance in his prayers.”

The nuncio added that it is Pope Benedict’s ‘fervent desire that I, as his representative, will do everything in my power to solidify and strengthen the relations between the Holy See and Ireland.’

“These diplomatic relations have enjoyed fruitful and uninterrupted stability since 1092 and they testify to the enduring relationship between the people of this nation and the successor of the Apostle Peter, stretching back some 1500 years,” he said.

Archbishop Brown’s arrival in Dublin has helped to ease tension between Ireland and the Holy See after the Irish Government took the decision last November to close its embassy to the Vatican.

—martin@sconews.co.uk