MLA speaks of Historic Papal Visit

Newry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty has expressed the hope that Pope Francis will make a return visit to Ireland in the not too distant future and that visit will include the North.

Attending the Papal Mass in the Phoenix Park on Sunday the MLA commented: "It was a very positive experience to attend the mass by his Holiness Pope Francis in Phoenix Park with many thousands of people from all walks of life and with numerous nationalities represented. I met so many local people and everyone enjoyed the experience.  Having attended the visit by Pope John Paul ll in 1979, I enjoyed my childhood recollections flooding back especially when I saw the Pope Mobile passing.

"I recognize that there are many people who do not have such positive memories in relation to the Church and I hope that the Pope’s Visit will be a catalyst for full and proper redress for all the victims of the Mother and Babies Homes, of the Magdalene Laundries and of the widespread clerical abuse.  The Holy Father sought to address many of these issues directly in his public statements over the weekend."

Speaking about the legacy of the visit Mr McNulty added  "Over the weekend there was an effort made to balance elements of celebration of the World Meeting of Families and acknowledgement of the hurt caused in the past. He has laid down a very clear challenge to the church and civic authorities alike, and in the words of Archbishop Eamon Martin 'the proof of the Pope’s visit will be in whether or not there is decisive action from the church."

The MLA also spoke of his hope that Pope Francis may return with a visit to the north: Many of us ‘northerners’ have been left thinking what a truly historic occasion it would have been to have Pope Francis come north.  I have not given up hope.  During a number of his addresses he referred to our peace process, The Good Friday Agreement and about bringing true peace to our communities.  I hope that that Pope Francis will make a return visit to Ireland in the not too distant future and that visit will include the North."