Irish embassy to the Holy See officially reopened

Ireland and the Holy See “have some different perspectives” but share a belief in working for a just world, said the Minister for Foreign Affairs as he officially reopened the Irish chancery to the Holy See.

Following a meeting with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Holy See Secretary for Relations with States in the Vatican, Charlie Flanagan said the two states have “much to talk about and much in common”.

“Like all old friends, Ireland and the Holy See have some different perspectives. That is normal in a bilateral relationship. At times, we will have difficult conversations. But we will also have many fruitful conversations about our shared values,” he said.

Sustainable

“Fundamentally we each believe we have a responsibility to work towards a world that is just, fair, safe and sustainable.”

He said Ireland’s “deep historic faith” means that the Church “of course has a place in Irish life well beyond the realm of formal diplomatic relations” and the intention of Pope Francis to visit Ireland next year for the World Meeting of Families would be “of huge importance to so many Irish people”.

The Government’s decision to downgrade relations with the Vatican with the closure of the Irish Embassy in 2011 was reversed with the appointment of Ambassador Emma Madigan in 2014.