Archbishop Eamon Martin: Church is ‘bereaved’ by yes vote

The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland has said the Church felt a sense of “bereavement” at the result of last month’s marriage equality referendum.

The Primate of All Ireland, the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin, has admitted there is a challenge ahead for the Church following the yes vote in the referendum.

Speaking on RTÉ radio, he said: “The whole debate has helped us understand the great sense of alienation and isolation that many gay people have felt, perhaps even at the hands of the Church.