Eamon Martin says new Pope is ‘friend of Ireland’

The pinnacle of the Catholic Church in Eire has led tributes to Pope Leo XIV from throughout the island of Eire, describing him as “calm, affable and approachable”.

The Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin, stated the brand new Pope was a “good friend of Eire and little question the Augustinian communities at house will likely be delighted with the information”.

White smoke began billowing from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel in Rome shortly after 18:00 native time (17:00 BST) on Thursday, signalling that the voting course of had concluded.

The brand new pope, American Robert Prevost, who will likely be often called Pope Leo XIV, appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica after his election on Thursday.

Archbishop Martin, together with Archbishops Dermot Farrell, Kieran O’Reilly and Francis Duffy, met the person who would turn into Pope in February.

“He got here throughout as a humble and respectful listener, eager to study as a lot as doable in regards to the Church in Eire,” Archbishop Martin stated.

“Pope Leo’s alternative of title suggests {that a} dedication to Catholic social instructing will likely be an indicator of his papacy. Please pray for him. Saint Peter intercede for him. Our Girl of Grace watch over him”, he added.

Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown stated he had met the then Cardinal Robert Prevost in Rome final October.

He informed BBC Information NI that he discovered the brand new Pope to be a “most amenable individual”.

“He got here on his personal to fulfill me within the workplace, he sat and listened, requested clever questions, he knew his transient,” Bishop McKeown stated.

“I used to be very impressed by the courtesy with which I used to be met on that event.

“Within the congregation for bishops I am very small fry. He handled me with huge respect and courtesy and I am very impressed.”

Bishop of Down and Connor Alan McGuckian stated he welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s election “with pleasure and gratitude”.

“In a world torn aside by battle, conflict and confusion, he encourages us to be heralds of peace and unity.”

He inspired all clergy, non secular and laity throughout the diocese to supply prayers of thanksgiving for the brand new pontiff.

Two Church of Eire archbishops additionally welcomed the Pope.

Archbishop of Armagh John McDowell stated he wished to “cross on the nice needs of the Church of Eire not solely to Pope Leo but in addition to the bishops, monks and Catholic folks of Eire as they enter in nearer communion and nearer information of their new Chief Shepherd”.

Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson stated Pope Leo was “in our prayers as he embarks upon his Godly job which is new to him and new to the world because the Bishop of Rome”.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill stated Pope Leo XIV’s election was a “day of profound significance for Catholics in Eire and worldwide”.

Posting on X, she stated she hoped the brand new Pope would “rise up for the marginalised and oppressed, champion peace, and lead with braveness and compassion – simply as his predecessor, Pope Francis, did”.

O’Neill additionally inspired him to “stand unwaveringly for the rights of the Palestinian folks”.

Posting on X, Alliance chief Naomi Lengthy supplied her prayers for the Pope.

“His first phrases, a dedication to bridge constructing and unity hopefully point out continuity of the legacy of Pope Francis,” she stated.

“Could God bless him and information him.”

Social Democratic and Labour Celebration (SDLP) chief Claire Hanna stated the brand new Pope takes on an essential position “at a time when the Church must mirror the wants of a altering world and values of a brand new era”.

“Pope Francis led with humility, grace and decency, qualities that earned him the admiration of individuals of each religion and none,” she added.

“I hope Pope Leo will proceed in that spirit, providing management that’s compassionate, brave and grounded in service.”

Hanna stated she additionally hoped Pope Leo XIV wouldn’t “shrink back from calling out injustice and inhumanity”, mentioning each Gaza and Ukraine.

Inexperienced Celebration chief Mal O’Hara stated he hoped Pope Leo would “construct on the daring legacy of Pope Francis, talking out towards poverty, inequality and the local weather emergency”.

“I additionally hope he’ll present ethical braveness in confronting genocide, defending essentially the most susceptible, and difficult outdated orthodoxy, particularly on the rights of minority communities.”

Irish President Michael D Higgins supplied his congratulations to the brand new Pope, describing it as an “immensely vital second”.

“I ship Pope Leo my best possible needs as he begins his hold forth, and I welcome his assertion that he’s ready to guide with compassion, knowledge, and a permanent dedication to the values of peace, justice, and human dignity,” he stated.

Higgins stated Eire enjoys a “long-standing and deeply rooted reference to the Holy See”, and added Eire was trying ahead to “sustaining and deepening that relationship with Pope Leo”.

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin wished Pope Leo XIV “each energy, good well being, and the required non secular steering as he begins his mission of main the Catholic Church at a time of problem, constructing on the pastoral course and achievements of Pope Francis”.

He added: “On behalf of the federal government and the folks of Eire, I supply heat congratulations to Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV.

“The scenes of nice pleasure and celebrations in St. Peter’s Sq. are a mirrored image of the hopes and goodwill felt by folks of the Catholic religion from all all over the world in direction of the brand new pope.”

Tánaiste (Irish deputy PM) and Overseas Affairs Minister Simon Harris stated it was a “momentous” event for Catholics all over the world.

“As tanaiste and on behalf of the federal government of Eire, I prolong our heartfelt congratulations and want him each success for his hold forth.

“I’ve little question he’ll proceed to construct on the extraordinary legacy left behind by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, who taught us all of the significance of kindness and humanity.”