Minister Ahern visits the Holy See to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern T.D. will visit Rome on Saturday 13 November for a programme of events to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the Holy See.
During his visit, the Minister will make a call on his Holiness, Pope John Paul II, and on Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Secretary of State. He will also host a reception in the Irish College in Rome on Saturday afternoon.
Announcing his visit, Minister Ahern said:
“The 75th anniversary and my visit to the Holy See is an opportunity to underline the values common to Ireland and the Holy See in the international sphere, including support for the United Nations, developments in the European Union and the wider neighbourhood, and solidarity with Africa and the Developing World. I am particularly honoured to have been invited to pay a call on His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. The visit is also an opportunity to acknowledge the Church’s contribution to Irish society. I look forward to future dialogue and co-operation between our two States.”
ENDS
Note for Editors
The Irish Embassy to the Holy See was inaugurated in 1929, and to date 19 Heads of Mission have served in the Embassy.
The Minister will make a speech at the Irish College reception at approximately 2pm (local time).
CTV (Vatican television) can provide footage of the call on Pope John Paul II.
Still photographs can be organised through Osservatore Romano at the following numbers:
Ph: 00 39 06 698 84797
Ph: 00 39 06 698 85041.
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