Best wishes of Irish with Pope: Martin

THE new Pope Leo XIV has the best wishes of all Irish people, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said.

- BY JONATHAN McCAMBRIDGE

He added the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope was a source of “great pride" for the US.

The new Chicago-born pontiff addressed crowds of thousands at St Peter's Square at the Vatican shortly after white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening.

Mr Martin said: “The scenes of great joy and celebrations in St Peter's Square are a reflection of the hopes and goodwill felt by people of the Catholic faith from all around the world towards the new Pope.

“I hope that this groundswell of best wishes towards Pope Leo XIV will give him strength and support as he takes on the immense responsibility of his pontificate.

“I know that he has the best wishes of all Irish people, of all traditions.”