Govt urged to accept role in Mother and Baby Homes

In a response to Katherine Zappone’s letter about the Mother and Baby Homes Pope Francis has suggested that the Government also accept their role in the controversy.

During the Pope’s visit in August for the World Meeting of Families the Minister for Children spoke to Francis and wrote to him about the institutions, asking the Church to “accept its responsibilities and make reparation for its part in a very shameful chapter of Irish history”.

In his reply he said: “I wish also to assure you of my prayerful solidarity and concern for this sad situation, and I pray in particular that efforts made by the Government and by the local churches and religious congregations will help face responsibly this tragic chapter in Ireland’s history.”

He concluded by “gladly” recalling his visit to Ireland their conversation, saying he would pray for the minister, her loved ones and for her “important work at the service of the youth of Ireland”.