Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been praised online for his speech to Pope Francis.
The Pope’s visit has been hit with heavy criticisms, with many focusing on Irish abuse victims and the justice they deserve.
While many have taken to Twitter to blast the decision by the state to pay for the visit, costing over €32 million.
But there has also been lots of positivity today, mainly for Leo, who in his public address with the Pope, pointed out many of the Catholic Church’s flaws.
Wounds are still open & there is much to be done to bring about justice &truth &healing for victims & survivors. Today I asked the Pope to use his office & influence to ensure this is done here in Ireland and across the World. Above all, I asked him to listen to victims. pic.twitter.com/YnnITpLapr
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) August 25, 2018
“It is a history of sorrow and shame,” Leo said at the Dublin Castle event.
“In place of Christian charity, forgiveness and compassion, far too often there was judgement, severity and cruelty, in particular, towards women and children and those on the margins.
“Magdalene Laundries, Mother and Baby Homes, industrial schools, illegal adoptions and clerical child abuse are stains on our State, our society and also the Catholic Church.
“Wounds are still open and there is much to be done to bring about justice and truth and healing for victims and survivors.
“Holy Father, I ask that you use your office and influence to ensure this is done here in Ireland and across the World,” Varadkar said.
People were quick to show “respect” and support for Leo online following the speech:
That was actually a hell of a speech from Leo, it was fairly hard hitting, I am surprised #PopeInIreland
— Bella FitzPatrick (@Bellaknit) August 25, 2018
Genuinely feels like a very historic moment. Outstanding speech. #popeinIreland pic.twitter.com/PimQjRn6Xc
— Rosie (@Rosie0770) August 25, 2018
All that was missing from @campaignforleo was the mic drop #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/GnvzFGsqvU
— Some Dad (@_SomeDad) August 25, 2018
A lot of respect for what Leo’s saying right now. #PopeInIreland
— Adam Gilroy (@GilroysWorld) August 25, 2018
Go on Leo – that’s not an easy thing to say in a formal address #PopeInIreland
— Suzanne Power (@SuzyPowr) August 25, 2018
Good man Leo #PopeInIreland
— Aoife Dowd (@aoifedowd) August 25, 2018
Fair play @campaignforleo he has not bottled it. #PopeInIreland
— Karl Carpenter (@KarlCarpo) August 25, 2018
A lot of respect for @campaignforleo right now! #PopeInIreland
— Aisling (@aislingk_99) August 25, 2018
