Good coverage on Sky on his arrival at Dublin airport.

The Police have the job of segregating the fans from the protesters!

How things have changed in the nearly 40 years since John Paul came...

Just some of the changes. In 1979, when John Paul came, contraception and divorce were illegal.

Like same-sex marriage and abortion. All are now legal - against the teaching and will of the Catholic church.

The country now has a gay PM, and the church has relinquished its large influence on politics, sport, culture and education.

Undoubtedly their demotion in status was caused by the number of child sexual abuse cases carried out by serving priests.

Also by its refusal to allow gay people and divorcees to be members of the church - just some examples.

Barney wrote:
Just some of the changes. In 1979, when John Paul came, contraception and divorce were illegal.

Like same-sex marriage and abortion. All are now legal - against the teaching and will of the Catholic church.

The country now has a gay PM, and the church has relinquished its large influence on politics, sport, culture and education.

Undoubtedly their demotion in status was caused by the number of child sexual abuse cases carried out by serving priests.

Also by its refusal to allow gay people and divorcees to be members of the church - just some examples.

Do you mean they refuse divorcees just in Ireland? Or everywhere?

I know several divorced people who are active in the church.
Perhaps they just dont ask?

How would they stop you being a member? They cant very well undo your holy communion , can they?

I'm surprised no Pope has been to Ireland in 40 years seeing it's pretty easy to get to. Must be about numbers.

Undo holy communion?


Divorcees aren't allowed to receive it!