Leo Varadkar references Magdalene Laundries and clerical abuse in speech to the Pope

Leo Varadkar referenced the Magdalene Laundries and clerical child abuse during his speech to the Pope.

The Taoiseach addressed Pope Francis at St Patrick's hall in Dublin Castle today before 300 guests. Varadkar welcomed the Pope to Ireland on behalf of the Irish people and began by speaking about the history of the Catholic church in Ireland and the part the church played in Ireland's education system and the foundation of the state. The Taoiseach then went on to reference the Catholic church's and the Irish state's "history of sorrow and shame." "At times in the past we have failed," he said.

"There are dark aspects of the Catholic Church’s history, as one of our bishops recently said. "We think of the words of the Psalm which tells us that ‘children are a heritage from the Lord’ and we remember the way the failures of both Church and State and wider society created a bitter and broken heritage for so many, leaving a legacy of pain and suffering."

Varadkar went on to speak about the "judgement, severity and cruelty" that has been suffered by women and children in Ireland. He asked Pope Francis to use his influence to bring justice for the victims of the church in Ireland and across the world. He said:

"Magdalene Laundries, Mother and Baby Homes, industrial schools, illegal adoptions and clerical child abuse are stains on our State, our society and also the Catholic Church. "Wounds are still open and there is much to be done to bring about justice and truth and healing for victims and survivors."

"There can only be zero tolerance for those who abuse innocent children or who facilitate that abuse," said Varadkar. The Taoiseach concluded his address by saying that he hoped Ireland and the church could build a new relationship - "one in which religion is no longer at the centre of our society, but in which it still has an important place." Pope Francis will spend 32 hours in Ireland this weekend. He will give mass to 500,000 people in the Phoenix Park tomorrow.