The world is in a dark place, drowning under the erosion of moral and civil rights, and liberties, Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick (pictured above) warned. Speaking from a diocesan pilgrimage to Rome as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, Bishop Leahy addressed the concerns of current generations, calling for a renewal of hope amidst the turmoil.
In his homily at a Mass held at Saint Chrysogonus Church in Rome, Bishop Leahy emphasised the importance of hope, which he said was desperately needed in today’s world. Reflecting on the many challenges facing humanity, including the breakdown of trust between people and states and the growing attacks on human dignity Bishop Leahy said, “It is a time of great concern regarding how moral and civil rights and liberties seem to be eroding in so many places where they were once celebrated…Mutual distrust is growing, and we see political leaders publicly belittling others. Assaults on the dignity of the most vulnerable, those at the beginning and end of life are increasing, and the poor continue to be forgotten.”
Bishop Leahy also highlighted the troubling events of the past week, including the controversial anti-immigration rhetoric that arose during the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. “Ironically, we have an Irish man voicing anti-immigration messages on Saint Patrick’s Day, the very day we celebrate the life of our patron saint, an immigrant who brought Christianity to this land,” he said.
Bishop Leahy further lamented the global conflicts that continue to devastate nations. “The ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and other regions like Syria, Sudan, and Yemen, where unspeakable atrocities are taking place, create a world in darkness. The disrespect for human life is overwhelming, and we need hope more than ever,” he added.
In a moment of inspiration, Bishop Leahy spoke outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis made his first public appearance in five weeks after a lengthy recovery. The Bishop of Limerick called the Pope’s recovery a powerful symbol of hope, especially for the diocesan pilgrimage group.
“The timing of Pope Francis’ appearance today was remarkable for us as a pilgrimage group and for the faithful worldwide. We were blessed by that moment. As we journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Francis’ recovery reminds us that hope is still alive in this dark world,” Bishop Leahy said.
As the pilgrimage group of 60 pilgrims from Limerick stood united in prayer, Bishop Leahy’s words resonated as a call for a renewed commitment to the protection of human life, dignity, and rights in the face of global and societal challenges.
