Newly elected Pope Leo has fond memories of visiting the Augustinian house in Limerick

BISHOP of Limerick Brendan Leahy has revealed a personal connection with Pope Leo XIV, recalling a meeting where the Pontiff fondly remembered visiting the Augustinian house on O’Connell Street in Limerick city.

“When I met him, he spoke about visiting the Augustinian house on O’Connell Street in Limerick. He even remembered the name of the street. He would have visited Ireland as part of his role as the prior general of the Augustinian worldwide order.  It’s great to have made that connection with him," stated Bishop Brendan Leahy.

Commenting on his previous engagements with Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Leahy said he met him briefly, including at the Synod in Rome last year. "He is a very calm man, no airs or graces, a listener, very reflective. I was struck in his speech by his focus on peace, bridge-building, dialogue and justice."

He added that Pope Leo XIV’s election has the potential to advance the mission of peace and hope that the world needs.

READ MORE: Higgins leads congratulations for new Pope Leo XIV in Ireland

Bishop Leahy said there was a real sense that it was a seminal moment for the Church and led to great joy locally and internationally.

He has been in the Pope’s company on a number of occasions and found him a humble, kind man who will bring the qualities needed for these challenging times.

“There was a tangible sense of joy and excitement from St Peter’s Square in Rome and it was something that resonated across our own diocese here. People I met or who contacted me felt it was a moment of hope. This is largely because he will bring forward the approach of Pope Francis, an approach of journeying, of hope and peace.”

Bishop Leahy said, however, that the road will be a challenging one but one that Pope Leo XIV will travel with courage and love.

“It’s an enormous responsibility now falling on his shoulders. In fact, it’s hard to imagine how one person could carry such expectation, but he is a man of great strength and calm and I’ve no doubt he will follow in the footsteps of St Peter with great love, humility and humanity.”

Bishop Leahy added: “I felt that his announcement at St Peter’s Basilica was very moving. He was clearly quite emotional and humble in that moment. I also believe the charism of St Peter is at work in the Pope and I’m certain that there will be great warmth for his mission.”