Pope Leo: NI reaction to 'unexpected' new Pope
Speaking about meeting the then Cardinal on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster, Archbishop Martin described Pope Leo as very calm and respectful.He said: "He was a very affable and a courteous person, somebody who is in that kind of humility that Pope Francis has exuded over the last number of years.""Whenever I heard his name called out, I just thought, it's not what I would have thought, but the more I've begun to think about it, clearly the Cardinals have been reflecting for a full two weeks before they even went in the door of the Sistine Chapel. "And what are the needs of the church? What kind of person do we need at this time?""This is the one they've chosen," he said.
'Challenges' for church
In Londonderry on Friday morning Pauline Madden said she hoped the new Pope would be a good successor to Pope Francis."There are challenges and issues for the Church worldwide. Hopefully he will be seen as maybe a peacemaker, there is a lot of conflict in different parts of the world," she said.
Liam Wilson said he was happy the Conclave was quick."He looks so young, long may he live now, I hope he carries on the work of Pope Francis."Mr Wilson said Pope Francis spoke out about peace and current struggles around the world."I hope that continues now. What we want now is to maintain the ground that Pope Francis has laid and keep everything going, and bring peace to the world hopefully.
Speaking after the news broke of the new Pope's election at Clonard Monastery in Belfast, Blesson said it was a very important day.He said: "I hope he is like Pope Francis like before. I will pray for him that he makes good decisions and takes the Church in the right direction."
Inclusion and connection
Fr Ciarán O'Callaghan said this represents a new start for the Catholic Church."Every Pope has a way of leading the Church forward and Pope Francis certainly did that. This Pope has a lot of issues on his in-tray so I hope he begins to deal with those."He talks of inclusion which is a big word in our world today, about a welcome for everyone, and about building connections and dialogue, and that sounds good to me," he said.
Rosemary said it was great news."I didn't expect an American but our previous Pope had installed him as cardinal two years ago, so it is great to see it and he will just have to prove himself," she said.
"I was born in the States, in New York, so I am happy enough," Brain said."It's the first Pope from north America. He is the leader after Saint Peter, it is a very big deal. It is so significant, from Francis dying to a new Pope elected."
Harry said Pope Leo's previous experience in Peru and the Vatican made him the right person for the job."It's good that it didn't take too long, it shows that they had agreement among them," he said.
Dessie said: "It's a big day for the church, hopefully a nice and modern guy. He is young enough too, I think Pope Francis did a good job so hopefully he will follow suit."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
5 hours ago
- BBC News
Irish President Michael D Higgins condemns attacks on Indian community
Irish president Michael D Higgins has condemned the "despicable attacks" on members of the Indian community in the Republic of Ireland in recent weeks. Last week, the Indian Embassy in Dublin advised its citizens in Ireland to take "reasonable precautions for their personal security" and to "avoid deserted areas" following what it said was an increase in physical said the attacks are in "stark contradiction to the values that we as people hold dear"."That any person in Ireland, particularly any young person, should be drawn into such behaviour through manipulation or provocation is to be unequivocally condemned," he said. 'Such acts diminish all of us' The president of Ireland added that "such acts diminish all of us and obscure the immeasurable benefits the people of India have brought to the life of this country".He added that there should be a "deep sense of gratitude" towards the Indian community for the "immense contribution" they have made in the country. "Their presence, their work, their culture, have been a source of enrichment and generosity to our shared life," he has been "shaped by migration, both outward and inward" over the years, he said."Those who left our shores carried our culture and values into faraway lands, often depending on the generosity of strangers."That shared human experience should remain at the heart of how we treat those who have come to make their lives here."To forget that is to lose a part of ourselves."On Monday, the Ireland India Council announced that it was postponing this year's India Day celebration at Farmleigh in Dublin on Sunday over safety concerns.
BreakingNews.ie
5 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Appeal lodged in Lebanon over leniency of sentences in Seán Rooney killing
A formal appeal over the leniency of the sentences of those indicted for the murder of Private Seán Rooney has been lodged, the Tánaiste has said. Pte Rooney (24), from Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal, was killed when a convoy of Irish troops serving with a UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon was ambushed and fired upon on December 14th, 2022. Advertisement The shooting happened near the town of Al-Aqbiya in a stronghold of Hezbollah. Pte Rooney was from the 121 Infantry Battalion of the Defence Forces. The main person convicted for his killing is still at large and the Irish Government has described some of the sentences imposed on others over the matter as unduly lenient. On Tuesday, Tánaiste Simon Harris said prosecutors in Lebanon have formally lodged an appeal against the sentences handed down to those who were indicted for the murder of Pte Rooney and the attacks on Shane Kearney, Corporal Joshua Phelan and Trooper Nathan Bryan in the same incident. Advertisement Mr Harris wrote to the Lebanese government following last month's trial to express the disappointment of the Irish Government and, in particular, of the Rooney family, at the leniency of the sentences handed down. I have been in discussions with the Lebanese Government today. They have now appealed the leniency of the sentences for those who murdered Private Seán Rooney and injured his colleagues. This is a welcome development. I spoke with Natasha Rooney on this today. — Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 12, 2025 He met Pte Rooney's family last week after his mother criticised Mr Harris's engagement with them over the matter. Mr Harris, who is also the Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, had committed to holding urgent talks with the Lebanese Justice and Defence Ministers in order to press for an appeal. Those talks took place on Tuesday. Advertisement Mr Harris said he then spoke to Pte Rooney's mother, Natasha McCloskey, and informed her that the Lebanese Government has appointed a new military chief prosecutor to take over the case. He also said an appeal against the sentences has this afternoon been formally lodged with the military Cassation Court, while the Lebanese authorities have committed to taking urgent steps to ensure the individual convicted of the murder of Private Rooney is taken into custody. Mr Harris said: 'I very much welcome the confirmation today from the Lebanese Justice and Defence Ministers that an appeal has been formally lodged against the sentences handed down in the case of the death of Private Sean Rooney and the injuries of his colleagues.' He added: 'In my calls with my Lebanese counterparts, I made it clear that the sentences handed down in this case are simply not acceptable and are very disappointing. Advertisement 'They have caused great upset and insult to the Rooney family and everything must be done to ensure justice is served for Sean and his colleagues who were injured.'
BreakingNews.ie
12 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
President says attacks on Indian community are against Irish values
Recent attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland should be 'unequivocally condemned', the President has said. It comes after India Day in Ireland was postponed following a 'spate of violent attacks' on members of the community in recent months. Advertisement The Ireland India Council believes there is an organised social media campaign against the Indian community in Ireland and the number of violent attacks has intensified since January this year. In a statement on Tuesday, Michael D Higgins said: 'As President of Ireland, may I take the opportunity at this time of stress for some of their community to express the deep sense of gratitude we all in Ireland owe to the Indian community here. 'We are all mindful of the immense contribution this community has made, and continues to make, to so many aspects of Irish life, in medicine, nursing, the caring professions, in cultural life, in business and enterprise, to cite just some. 'Their presence, their work, their culture, have been a source of enrichment and generosity to our shared life.' Advertisement He added: 'The recent despicable attacks on members of the Indian community stand in stark contradiction to the values that we as a people hold dear. 'That any person in Ireland, particularly any young person, should be drawn into such behaviour through manipulation or provocation is to be unequivocally condemned. 'Whether such provocation stems from ignorance or from malice, it is essential to acknowledge the harm that it is causing. 'Such acts diminish all of us and obscure the immeasurable benefits the people of India have brought to the life of this country.' Advertisement Mr Higgins said Ireland has 'long been shaped by migration'. He said: 'Those who left our shores carried our culture and values into faraway lands, often depending on the generosity of strangers. 'That shared human experience should remain at the heart of how we treat those who have come to make their lives here. To forget that is to lose a part of ourselves.' The President added: 'Our shared spaces — including social media platforms — should never be poisoned from messages of hate or incitement to violence. Advertisement 'Such messages not only target individuals, but also damage and corrode the most fundamental and enduring instincts of Irishness: those of hospitality, friendship, and care for others. 'These principles must apply to all who form part of Irish society today, without exception. An Ireland that honours these values is one in which all communities can live in safety, dignity, and mutual respect.'
