“A History Of Sorrow And Shame” – Taoiseach Praised For “Strong” Speech In Presence Of Pope Francis

People are praising Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today for addressing the dark past of the Catholic Church in Ireland in the presence of Pope Francis at Dublin Castle.

In the speech, given in front of members of the clergy as well as senior Irish politicians, Varadkar said that the history of the church is one of "sorrow and of shame." He added that "in place of Christian charity, forgiveness and compassion, far too often there was judgement, severity and cruelty, in particular towards women and children and those on the margins."

He then appealed to the Pope to use his "office and influence" to ensure abuse survivors receive "justice and truth healing".

Ireland today 'is a very different place than the one we had in the past' - @campaignforleo pic.twitter.com/kB6mtkQ9IL
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 25, 2018

A lot of people were impressed with how Varadkar spoke:

This is the most important part of Leo Varadkar’s speech a few moments ago #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/XZ699Deg9i
— Hugh O'Connell (@oconnellhugh) August 25, 2018

Leo Varadkar quotes the pontiff at the start of his speech

"Make Bridges not walls, because walls fall"#popeinIreland
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) August 25, 2018

The gall of Pope Francis to lecture Ireland on "removing the right of the unborn" takes a special blend of ignorance and arrogance. Varadkar's speech very commendable. #PopeInIreland #Stand4Truth
— Rob O'Hanrahan (@RobOHanrahan) August 25, 2018

Gonna sound like a proper adult now but Leo Varadkar did the country proud in his speech to the pope..an maith Leo
— Jenny byrne (@jennybyrne23) August 25, 2018

'This is a shared history of sorrow and shame'- excellent speech by Leo Varadkar, in fairness. #PopeInIreland #Ireland #leovaradkar #Stand4Truth #Dublin #PopeFrancis
— Lauren Burke (@Laurendeburca) August 25, 2018

The Varadkar speech struck a fair balance I think; admitting state abandonment & the good works of church before outlining obvious criticisms. #PopeInIreland
— Brian (@TheBrickovich) August 25, 2018

Wouldn't be a cheerleader of Varadkar by any means but that speech was top class...hit all the right notes ????????
— Ian Sheerin (@iansheerin) August 25, 2018

Varadkar’s speech impressed me

While noting the church’s role in supporting the early Irish State He also raised;
Family diversity
Changes in the law on
- marriage
- the families
- women’s choices
Abuses by the Church
The dark shared history
Meeting survivors

No holds barred
— Michael O'Neill Russian Bot (@oneillquigley) August 25, 2018