Pope’s death ‘deprived him of return visit to Ireland’

THE Pope’s death has deprived the Irish people of his final message to them, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern heard last night.

Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin told the State’s memorial service at the Pro-Cathedral: “We do not know what Pope John Paul II might have said to us had he been able to realise his desire to return to Ireland.”

Dr Martin concelebrated the Solemn Remembrance Mass with the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto.

Also present was President Mary McAleese, Mr Ahern, Tánaiste Mary Harney, Lord Mayor of Dublin Michael Conaghan, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of other Churches.

Dr Martin said: “He was concerned for the situation of faith in Ireland. He was concerned about Irish society in the future.

“I am sure he would not want an Ireland looking back nostalgically at his visit, but looking forward, realistically but with courage and hope, to the future.”

Dr Martin said the Pope never forgot his visit to Ireland in September 1979 and took an interest in the country’s progress.

The Vatican had agreed “in principle” that the Pontiff would return this year if he was well enough.

Earlier, Mrs McAleese and her husband Martin signed a book of condolence at the Apostolic Nuncio’s residence in Dublin.

As a stream of people came through, Archbishop Lazzarotto said: “There were two schools here, which was very nice, all the children coming to sign. Many of the public have been out to sign as well.”

Josef Havlas, the Ambassador for the Czech Republic in Ireland, was just one of many dignitaries who came to pay his respects.

Mr Havlas said: “He helped to raise the mind of the people to be brave under the pressure of the power from the east, the communist regime.

“I will be praying for him.”

Ian Carolan, 29, from Blanchardstown in Dublin, said: “He touched the hearts of the Irish people when he came here. I was four at the time, so I was left at home with my granny while everyone else went to greet him.

“It just felt right to come and sign the book.”

Rosaleen Gaffney, from the Navan Road in Dublin, said: “We were very pleased to have had such a lovely holy man, a genuine person and a true man of the faith.

“I saw him in New Jersey and New York, it was wonderful just to meet him.

“I am privileged to have had the chance to sign the book.”

As Ireland holds a period of mourning on Friday, Mrs McAleese will attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II in the Vatican.

Dr Martin added in his homily last night: “We remember John Paul II, the indefatigable defender of life. We remember John Paul II, who in these last weeks, taught us all something about how to die.”