The Pope’s next foray overseas is scheduled to be Ireland in the Spring. In today’s Examiner, Rónán Mullen argues that this visit may be more important that his first (and the first Papal visit ever) in 1979. The reasons are, he explains, complex and vary from north to south.
“Like the Poles in 1997, the Irish are now ready to hear something about spiritual values and morality. Having tasted riches and scandal, consumerism and cynicism, many want more. Some want to believe that there is a meaning to existence, a reason to love your neighbour and a consistent way of doing it.
“The problem lies in the deep fracture in many people’s relationship with the Catholic Church. However much you admire him, how can you identify with this peace-making Pope if you fundamentally disagree with some of what he has to say or if you are angry at the way his fellow bishops have handled abuse cases, for example?
“The challenge must be to frame this visit in terms of reconciliation”.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
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