Ireland eagerly awaiting arrival of Pope Francis

By Lydia O’Kane

In 1980 a Jesuit priest from Buenos Aires arrived in Dublin to perfect his English at the Jesuit Institute in the south of the city. His name was Jorge Bergoglio.

His visit came just a year after the acclaimed Papal Journey of St John Paul II to a land still imbued by the faith.

When the Pope Francis steps off the Papal plane on Saturday, he will be coming to country that has changed in many ways in the last 40 years.

A changing Ireland
 

Ireland experienced the biting recession of the 80’s; an economic boom known as the “Celtic Tiger” in the early 2000s; and was on the receiving end of the financial crisis towards the end of that decade.

In terms of the faith of this nation, known as the island of Saints and Scholars, the clerical sexual abuse scandals that have rocked the Church here have left an indelible mark. There is still anger and frustration at the suffering caused, as well as calls for more concrete action. But many here are also hoping for a renewal of the faith, and also believe that this is indeed a very good time for Pope Francis to be coming to Ireland.

On the eve of this Apostolic Visit, it is business as usual, but not without bright signs regarding traffic and security measures. Talk shows look back at the visit of St John Paul II, focus on the challenges facing the  Church, wade through the Papal itinerary, and talk to those who are waiting in anticipation of this Papal visit. Even one of the national broadsheets has on its front cover a picture of two young children wearing Pope Francis costumes.

One thing is for sure, however: when Pope Francis arrives in Dublin he will be coming to a land that places strong emphasis on the family and a land that is known for its hundred thousand welcomes - or in Irish “cead mile failte."