Press release
Statement by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, on death of Pope Benedict
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, has expressed his condolences on the death of the Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Speaking today, the Tánaiste said:
"Pope Emeritus Benedict will hold a special place in the collective memory of Catholics the world over, as the first Pope in almost 600 years to retire. He showed great strength of character and humility in leaving the papacy at a time when by his own analysis, his declining health meant he could not provide the leadership he felt the Church required at the time.
"He will be remembered for his commitment to global peace including in Northern Ireland and particularly for those of the Catholic faith as a respected theologian and scholar.
"I extend my condolences to Pope Francis, to Archbishop Eamon Martin the Catholic Primate of All Ireland, to the family and friends of Pope Emeritus Benedict, and to all those of the Catholic faith in Ireland and around the world.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."