Catholic Church leaders slam decision to close Ireland’s Vatican Embassy

Ireland ought to close its Vatican embassy in the name of Ireland's long-standing support for human rights. Last June, the Vatican led opposition to a UN resolution that upheld the civil rights of gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered individuals, that expressed "grave concern at acts of violence and discrimination, in all regions of the world" against them, and that set up an investigation into their torture, imprisonment, and execution by repressive regimes. To block the UN vote, the Holy See assembled an unholy alliance of African and Muslim nations, including those that impose the death penalty on gays. Vatican officials argued-- falsely-- that the UN human rights resolution would encourage legalization of gay marriage and would restrict "freedom of religion" of Catholic parents not to have their children learn in school that not all human beings are heterosexual. (What kind of *religion* allies itself with the death penalty for gays while opposing abortion on allegedly "moral" grounds?) Using its special observer status at the UN since 1964, the Holy See has led opposition to curbing the spread of HIV, setting up family planning programs, and providing contraceptives and abortions for victims of rape in Kosovo's and Bosnia's wars. What kind of "state" is the Holy See? It excludes females from citizenship, and it militantly opposes the most basic rights of women, children, gays in all corners of the world. If other nations follow Ireland's lead and withdraw their embassies to the Holy See, perhaps the farce of the Vatican "state" will end at last, along with the unholy political power that its special status at the UN gives it.

@falconflash,You are just one of many who follow the sheep and have become enslaved. Big religions need sheep like you. God or whoever has not made contact with anyone on earth. If horses had a God it would be a horse. On earth people with limited intelligence think God is a man. Try not to get carried away with it all, a hobby could help.

I find your use of the word "attack" to describe Enda Kenny's criticisms of the "Church" is a poor use of the word "attack", as though he struck someone in some sort of rage. His comments were well articulated and addressed specific issues where the Church has shown repeated negligence.

At long last,they are standing up to be counted. Good on the Irish Gov't

Don't worry about too Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, his regret is that his papal elevation and meanderings worldwide have come to nought. In othr words, no one was ultimately sucked in. Another pecedent for Ireland in the directon of our Lords retribution against those who cause his little ones to suffer: his eye is even on the sparrow.

@falconflash - as one of the "arrogant Irish" of which you speak, I have to concede that you may be correct in your assumption. However, I must also remember that Christ when on earth was also disposed to remonstrate those who in his eyes rushed to hasty, uninformed judgment; "Let those who are without sin cast the first stone" Are your hands full or empth falconflash? :)

I think its about that sirpeter (hope all is well leeside btw) and much more. Its also about the Senior Catholic Hierarchy being confronted with the consequences of their actions (or inactions)

Regrettable though it is.I think it's a good thing.Small countries like Ireland need to assert themselves when it comes to fundamental matters and you don't get a matter much more fundamental than the protection of children from the abuse of some adults.This appears to be a government of action.A slap on the wrist for Rome is a good thing.

The Church must change or die. It is heading there fast.

APPLAUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've got news for you SeamusMor Jesus had nothing to do with the Catholic church.The RCC did not exist during his life time Jesus was born a Jew and died a Jew.You are practising "presumptitve history".

Erin go bragh!

The Vatican knows the economic situation Ireland is in, if they want us to keep the Embassy office open that seriously maybe they should consider covering the costs?? What does our new President say on this topic,.... hmmmm?

Oh for heaven sake! The Vatican is barely 100 acres in total. If anyone has needs concerning an embassy, step over the border into Rome. A million a year to house someone in a tiny office within a country barely larger than a small village is a ridiculous expense. That money can be well spent educating children, developing infrastructure or otherwise helping the country in ways that are far more productive. Renting office space wasn't a prerequisite for convening with the Lord the last I heard unless it was perhaps obscured in the Latin.

Kilkenny999 ... the Catholic Church is responsible for ALL of the troubles in Ireland??? ALL of them??? Really now.