Taoiseach Greets Cardinal Brady on his Arrival Home

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, T.D., today greeted Cardinal Seán Brady at Dublin Airport, on his return home from Rome, where he was elevated to the College of Cardinals on Saturday last.

The Taoiseach said, "As Archbishop of Armagh, Cardinal Seán Brady has been a very powerful but understated advocate of peace and reconciliation. His influence through his close relationship with his Priests and people has been significant.

In addition to his working for peace on the ground, he has given leadership with the Heads of other Christian denominations in challenging sectarianism and building a future for Northern Ireland based on respect for the dignity of every person.

Cardinal Brady is a shrewd observer of social trends and social challenges. Over recent years, in particular, his lectures and sermons have reflected a very thoughtful analysis of many of the difficulties and contradictions of life in the modern age.

He is at home in the international Church, as much as in Armagh or in his native Cavan. He was Rector of the Irish College in Rome for many years and that gave him a very valuable perspective on the international scene. He is the second Rector of that College to have been made Cardinal.

From my many conversations with Cardinal Brady, I know that he is only too well aware of the challenges facing the Church on the island, North and South. He has the personal qualities to give leadership and reassurance to many, while reaching out to those who may be alienated from the Catholic Church and religion in general. I have no doubt that he will play a particularly important role in building up the evolving society in Northern Ireland, to the benefit of all of its people."

29th November 2007

ENDS.