New nuncio pledges to work for stronger relations between Holy See, Ireland

February 17, 2012

Three months after Ireland announced that it was closing its embassy at the Holy See, Archbishop Charles Brown presented his credentials as the Holy See’s apostolic nuncio in Ireland.

“It is an honor, indeed a source of joy, for me to bring you heartfelt greetings from his holiness Pope Benedict XVI,” Archbishop Brown said to President Michael Higgins. “The Holy Father has asked me to convey in a particular way his esteem for you as [resident of this great nation as well as his best wishes and sincere affection for all the people of Ireland.”

Archbishop Brown added:

At this very significant moment in my mission here in Ireland, I wish to assure you that it is Pope Benedict’s fervent desire that I, as his representative, will do everything in my power to solidify and strengthen the relations between the Holy See and Ireland. These diplomatic relations have enjoyed fruitful and uninterrupted stability since 1929, and they testify to the enduring relationship between the people of this nation and the successor of the Apostle Peter, stretching back some 1,500 years. In requesting your kind support and that of the government of Ireland in the discharge of my mission, I pledge my wholehearted efforts to confirm and deepen this mutually beneficial and historic relationship.

Asking Archbishop Brown to “convey to the Pope my best wishes and the best wishes of the people of Ireland,” President Higgins replied that “you are right in saying that the relationship between Ireland and the Holy See goes back to 1929 and there are many areas of international policy in which we have a shared view, areas of development, poverty, disarmament, and these have been fruitful for us.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• New nuncio pledges to strengthen relationship (Irish Times)
• Ireland: Papal Nuncio presents credentials (Vatican Radio)