Taoiseach urges Pope to press religious orders on abuse redress

In a significant meeting at the Vatican, Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin directly addressed Pope Leo on the critical issue of redress for survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated within religious orders in Ireland. This engagement underscores the Irish government's commitment to seeking justice and accountability for victims who have endured immense suffering.

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I asked that every effort would be made to get the religious orders to engage proactively on the matter of redress.

Martin conveyed to the Pope that while Ireland has established a commission of inquiry into day and boarding schools, a crucial gap remains: the lack of proactive engagement from numerous religious orders. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that some orders are selling assets, and stressed the need for these revenues to be directed towards providing adequate redress to survivors. The Taoiseach's direct appeal highlights the ongoing struggle for survivors to receive the support and compensation they deserve.

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some orders have come forward, but a lot of orders haven’t, and that assets are being sold, and that we want those assets allocated in revenues from them to redress.

The conversation extended beyond abuse redress, touching upon the Pope's global advocacy for peace. Martin offered Ireland's assistance, drawing upon its unique experience in the Northern Ireland peace process, to support any conflict resolution initiatives undertaken by the Vatican. This offer reflects Ireland's willingness to share its hard-won expertise in navigating complex peacebuilding efforts, demonstrating a broader commitment to international stability.

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very clear and frank about the need for the church to take ownership and to be very clear in terms of supporting those who have been traumatised by abuse.

The meeting, occurring as Ireland prepares to assume the EU presidency, also served as a platform to discuss multilateralism and international cooperation. Martin's engagement with Pope Leo, a relatively new pontiff, signifies the importance Ireland places on dialogue with global leaders on issues ranging from historical injustices to contemporary challenges. The Pope's reported clarity and frankness on the need for the Church to take ownership and support those traumatized by abuse suggest a potentially receptive audience for Martin's concerns, offering a glimmer of hope for survivors.

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We discussed that trauma is an enduring thing. It doesn’t end when you have an inquiry or when you have acknowledgment, it’s something that endures for the lifetime of an individual.