Seán Brady
Encyclopedia
Seán Baptist Brady is an Irish
cardinal
of the Catholic Church. He is the current Archbishop of Armagh
and Primate of All Ireland, and was elevated to the cardinalate
in 2007.
, near Laragh
, County Cavan
, to Andrew (d. 1968) and Annie (d. 1990) Brady. One of three children, he has a brother, Con, and a sister, Kitty. He attended Caulfield National School in Laragh and St Patrick's College in Cavan
.
In 1957, he entered Maynooth College
, from where he later obtained a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Ancient Classics
in 1960. He then furthered his studies in Rome
at the Pontifical Irish College
and Pontifical Lateran University
, where he earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology
in 1964.
to the priesthood
by Cardinal Luigi Traglia on 22 February 1964. Finishing his studies at the Pontifical Lateran University
, he there earned a doctorate in canon law
in 1967. Upon his return to Ireland
that year, he served as a professor
at his alma mater
of St. Patrick's in Cavan until 1980. At St. Patrick's, he taught a variety of subjects including Latin
, Commerce
, Religion
, and French
, as well as training college football
teams at all age levels. While he was teaching at the school, in 1975, he was present when children signed vows of silence over allegations against a paedophile priest.
Fr. Brady then returned to Rome, where he was vice-rector
(1980–1987) and later rector (1987–1993) of the Pontifical Irish College
. In 1990, he introduced Jack Charlton
and the national football team
to Pope John Paul II
. Following his return to his native country, he became parish priest
of Castletara (Ballyhaise
) in 1993.
of Armagh by John Paul II. He received his episcopal consecration
on 19 February 1995 from Cardinal Cahal Daly, with Archbishop Emanuele Gerada
and Bishop Gerard Clifford
, serving as co-consecrators
, at St. Patrick's Cathedral. He selected as his episcopal motto
: Jesum Christum Cognoscere, meaning: "To Know Jesus Christ" .
Upon Cardinal Daly's retirement on 1 October 1996, Bishop Brady automatically became Archbishop of Armagh
and Primate of All Ireland and was formally installed
as Archbishop on the following 3 November. He presided over Cardinal Daly's funeral services in January 2010.
as a symbol of the new cardinal's role in helping the pontiff to minister to the diocese of Rome. Following his elevation to the cardinalate he joined Cardinals Cahal Daly and Desmond Connell
as one of three living Irish cardinals, a record in Irish history which was unchanged until Cardinal Daly's death in December 2009. Senior Vatican figures suggested that the Archbishop's positive contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process weighed heavily in Pope Benedict's decision to make him a Cardinal.
Cardinal Brady, as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, was elected President
of the Irish Episcopal Conference
.
On 12 June 2008 in addition to his main duties he was appointed by Benedict as a member of congregations in the Roman Curia
. These are: the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
and the Pontifical Council for Culture
.
Brady has kept a somewhat lower profile than the recent Archbishops of Armagh, Cahal Daly and Tomás Ó Fiaich, both of whom developed their reputations during the difficult days of the Troubles
and the Hunger Strikes
.
In 2001, Pope John Paul II
chose to make the then Archbishop of Dublin
and Primate of Ireland
, Desmond Connell
a cardinal, even though Connell was technically number two in church ranking behind Brady. It was the first time in a century that the red hat
was given to the Archbishop of Dublin rather than the Archbishop of Armagh. This was balanced in 2007, when Brady was elevated to the cardinalate. In 1984, the then Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Ryan, was nominated a cardinal by Pope John Paul II
and transferred to a position in Rome, the Pro-Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
. However, Archbishop Ryan died before the consistory that would have elevated him to the cardinalate.
, County Mayo
. He noted that "Such initiatives would certainly increase the hope of a more humane and ethically robust economy." One such initiative was the credit union movement. Another was the Knights of Columbus ethical investment programme.
he said: "These vulnerable people have had no part to play in creating the multiple crises now facing them – climate, financial, food – yet the challenges they face are unprecedented. I appeal to you not to turn your back on them. We must ensure that we maintain our current level of aid spending until such a time as we are in a position to build it up again."
ruling did not oblige the State to introduce legislation authorising abortion. The European court ruled Ireland has failed to properly implement the constitutional right to abortion where a woman is entitled to one where her life is at risk. Cardinal Brady said the judgment "leaves future policy in Ireland on protecting the lives of unborn children in the hands of the Irish people and does not oblige Ireland to introduce legislation authorising abortion".
announced that due to cost cutting measures, the Irish embassy to the Holy See
would close and that the duties of the ambassador would be dealt with by the secretary-general of the department. Cardinal Brady said that the closure “means that Ireland will be without a resident Ambassador to the Holy See for the first time since diplomatic relations were established and envoys were exchanged between the two states in 1929". He added that “This decision seems to show little regard for the important role played by the Holy See in international relations and of the historic ties between the Irish people and the Holy See over many centuries" and went on to say that "It is worth recalling that for the new Irish State, the opening of diplomatic relations with the Holy See in 1929 was a very significant moment. It was very important in asserting the identity and presence of the Irish Free State internationally in view of the fact that Irish diplomatic representation abroad was then confined to the legation in Washington, the office of the high commissioner in London, the permanent delegate to the League of Nations, and the Embassy to the Holy See".
, that he was confident Bishop Donal Murray
of Limerick
will “do the right thing” in terms of considering his position in the wake of criticism in the Dublin diocesan report. He also said in that interview “If I found myself in a situation where I was aware that my failure to act had allowed or meant that other children were abused, well then, I think I would resign.”
The unprecedented 15–16 February 2010 summit at the Vatican
with Pope Benedict and senior members of the Curia was described by the Cardinal as “one step in a process [...] which will lead to a journey of repentance, renewal and reconciliation”. He said that process “hopefully, will gain momentum when we get back to Ireland”. At 8:00 a.m. twenty-four of Ireland’s diocesan bishops met Pope Benedict and seven leading members of the Curia in the first of three sessions, which continued to 1:00 p.m. and resume after noon until 8:00 p.m. The 16 February session began at 8:00 a.m. and ended late that morning. Each Irish bishop spoke for about five minutes.
Brady agreed that there had been “tensions” among the bishops over the fallout from the Murphy Report, “but to describe them as ‘divisions’ is another matter. Last week at Knock we had a very cordial retreat. Things were thrashed out fully and frankly”, he said. Brady brought up popular sentiment in his country that Papal envoy to Ireland Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza
should appear before the Foreign Affairs committee of Dáil Éireann
, but was told that by practice a nuncio
will not appear before a parliamentary committee.
One of those who was a child interviewed in the internal process is suing Cardinal Brady on the grounds that complaints about Fr. Smyth were not reported to the Garda
, that steps were not taken to prevent Fr. Smyth from committing further assaults, that the children were required to sign oaths not to discuss the complaints and that the failure to report the complaints led to the plaintiff and others not receiving appropriate medical treatment.
Labour Party spokesman on social and family affairs Róisín Shortall
TD, said Cardinal Brady was “hopelessly compromised by what has emerged”. She said, “There should be a Garda investigation to determine whether or not the failure to report Fr Smyth’s crimes to the civil authorities was, itself, a criminal offence."
In May 2010, Cardinal Brady said that he will not resign as archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.
Dr. Brady has faced calls to resign since it emerged on 14 March 2009 that in 1975 he conducted an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse by Fr Brendan Smyth which involved him swearing two teenagers to secrecy. Standing outside Armagh Cathedral, the 70-year-old cleric acknowledged there were some who would not agree with his decision but vowed to lead the Church’s efforts to improve child protection measures. “It certainly wasn’t an easy decision” he said. “I have listened to a lot of people, reflected as I said I would, I listened to survivors, to priests, to religious people up and down the length of this diocese and I have decided to continue in my present role, to play my part in this diocese. “Because I want to maintain the momentum towards better child safeguarding and not alone that, also the momentum towards renewal of the faith, which is essential here and a big challenge.”
Dr. Brady said the vast majority of people he had spoken to wanted him to remain in post. “I was on pilgrimage to Lourdes yesterday with 800 people from this diocese and not one said they had no confidence in me, they said they wanted me to stay and continue this work.” Cardinal Brady told mass-goers at his St Patrick’s Day homily in March that he would take a period of time to reflect on his future in the church. He confirmed he would stay on following the announcement yesterday of an all-island audit into how the Church handles abuse allegations. He said he had asked for his own diocese to be inspected by Vatican officials.
In September 2010 Cardinal Brady asked whether Irish people have lost their capacity for mercy and forgiveness. “Have we become too aggressive and impatient in relation to the weaknesses and failings of others,” he asked. Speaking at a Mass in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, held to mark the 200th anniversary of St Nathy’s College there, he said: “I sometimes wonder if we are in danger of losing our sense of mercy and forgiveness in Ireland today.”
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
cardinal
Cardinal (Catholicism)
A cardinal is a senior ecclesiastical official, usually an ordained bishop, and ecclesiastical prince of the Catholic Church. They are collectively known as the College of Cardinals, which as a body elects a new pope. The duties of the cardinals include attending the meetings of the College and...
of the Catholic Church. He is the current Archbishop of Armagh
Archbishop of Armagh
The Archbishop of Armagh is the title of the presiding ecclesiastical figure of each of the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland in the region around Armagh in Northern Ireland...
and Primate of All Ireland, and was elevated to the cardinalate
Cardinal (Catholicism)
A cardinal is a senior ecclesiastical official, usually an ordained bishop, and ecclesiastical prince of the Catholic Church. They are collectively known as the College of Cardinals, which as a body elects a new pope. The duties of the cardinals include attending the meetings of the College and...
in 2007.
Early life and education
Sean Brady was born in DrumcalpinDrumcalpin
Drumcalpin is a townland in County Cavan, Ireland.The townland covers . In the 1911 census of Ireland, there were seven houses and forty-one inhabitants in Drumcalpin....
, near Laragh
Laragh, County Cavan
Laragh is a parish, in the Diocese of Kilmore, County Cavan, Ireland. The principal village in the parish is Stradone which is located 1 km from the N3. There are 3 churches in the parish namely in Larah, Clifferna and Carrickallen...
, County Cavan
County Cavan
County Cavan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Cavan. Cavan County Council is the local authority for the county...
, to Andrew (d. 1968) and Annie (d. 1990) Brady. One of three children, he has a brother, Con, and a sister, Kitty. He attended Caulfield National School in Laragh and St Patrick's College in Cavan
Cavan
Cavan is the county town of County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. The town lies in the north central part of Ireland, near the border with Northern Ireland...
.
In 1957, he entered Maynooth College
St Patrick's College, Maynooth
St Patrick's College, Maynooth is the "National Seminary for Ireland" , and a Pontifical University, located in the village of Maynooth, 15 miles from Dublin, Ireland. The college and seminary are often referred to as Maynooth College. The college was officially established as the Royal College...
, from where he later obtained a Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
degree in Ancient Classics
Classics
Classics is the branch of the Humanities comprising the languages, literature, philosophy, history, art, archaeology and other culture of the ancient Mediterranean world ; especially Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome during Classical Antiquity Classics (sometimes encompassing Classical Studies or...
in 1960. He then furthered his studies in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
at the Pontifical Irish College
Pontifical Irish College
The Pontifical Irish College is a Roman Catholic seminary for the training and education of priests, in Rome.-Foundation and early history:Towards the close of the sixteenth century, Pope Gregory XIII had sanctioned the foundation of an Irish college in Rome, and had assigned a large sum of money...
and Pontifical Lateran University
Pontifical Lateran University
The Pontifical Lateran University is a university by pontifical right based in Rome, Italy. The university also hosts the central session of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family...
, where he earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology
Licentiate of Sacred Theology
Licentiate of Sacred Theology is the title of the second cycle of studies of a Faculty of Theology offered by a pontifical universities or ecclesiastical faculties of sacred theology. An Ecclesiastical Faculty offers three cycles of study: Baccalaureate or fundamentals, Licentiate or specialized,...
in 1964.
Priesthood
Sean Brady was ordainedHoly Orders
The term Holy Orders is used by many Christian churches to refer to ordination or to those individuals ordained for a special role or ministry....
to the priesthood
Priesthood (Catholic Church)
The ministerial orders of the Catholic Church include the orders of bishops, deacons and presbyters, which in Latin is sacerdos. The ordained priesthood and common priesthood are different in function and essence....
by Cardinal Luigi Traglia on 22 February 1964. Finishing his studies at the Pontifical Lateran University
Pontifical Lateran University
The Pontifical Lateran University is a university by pontifical right based in Rome, Italy. The university also hosts the central session of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family...
, he there earned a doctorate in canon law
Doctor of Canon Law
Doctor of Canon Law is the doctoral-level terminal degree in the studies of canon law of the Roman Catholic Church.It may also be abbreviated I.C.D. or dr.iur.can. , ICDr., D.C.L., D.Cnl., D.D.C., or D.Can.L. . Doctor of both laws are J.U.D...
in 1967. Upon his return to Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
that year, he served as a professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
at his alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
of St. Patrick's in Cavan until 1980. At St. Patrick's, he taught a variety of subjects including Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
, Commerce
Commerce
While business refers to the value-creating activities of an organization for profit, commerce means the whole system of an economy that constitutes an environment for business. The system includes legal, economic, political, social, cultural, and technological systems that are in operation in any...
, Religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
, and French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
, as well as training college football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
teams at all age levels. While he was teaching at the school, in 1975, he was present when children signed vows of silence over allegations against a paedophile priest.
Fr. Brady then returned to Rome, where he was vice-rector
Rector
The word rector has a number of different meanings; it is widely used to refer to an academic, religious or political administrator...
(1980–1987) and later rector (1987–1993) of the Pontifical Irish College
Pontifical Irish College
The Pontifical Irish College is a Roman Catholic seminary for the training and education of priests, in Rome.-Foundation and early history:Towards the close of the sixteenth century, Pope Gregory XIII had sanctioned the foundation of an Irish college in Rome, and had assigned a large sum of money...
. In 1990, he introduced Jack Charlton
Jack Charlton
John "Jack" Charlton, OBE, DL is a former footballer and manager who played for Leeds United in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and was part of the England team who won the 1966 World Cup...
and the national football team
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
to Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...
. Following his return to his native country, he became parish priest
Pastor
The word pastor usually refers to an ordained leader of a Christian congregation. When used as an ecclesiastical styling or title, this role may be abbreviated to "Pr." or often "Ps"....
of Castletara (Ballyhaise
Ballyhaise
-See also:* List of towns and villages in Ireland* List of Market Houses in Ireland...
) in 1993.
Archbishop of Armagh
On 13 December 1994, Monsignor Brady was appointed Coadjutor ArchbishopCoadjutor bishop
A coadjutor bishop is a bishop in the Roman Catholic or Anglican churches who is designated to assist the diocesan bishop in the administration of the diocese, almost as co-bishop of the diocese...
of Armagh by John Paul II. He received his episcopal consecration
Bishop (Catholic Church)
In the Catholic Church, a bishop is an ordained minister who holds the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders and is responsible for teaching the Catholic faith and ruling the Church....
on 19 February 1995 from Cardinal Cahal Daly, with Archbishop Emanuele Gerada
Emanuele Gerada
The Most Reverend Dr. Emanuele Gerada, D.D. , was a Maltese prelate of the Roman Catholic Church and Titular Archbishop of Nomentum....
and Bishop Gerard Clifford
Gerard Clifford (Roman Catholic Bishop)
Gerard Clifford is a Roman Catholic auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh. He was born in Lordship, County Louth, Ireland. He was ordained a priest on 18 June 1968 for the diocese and was appointed an auxiliary bishop of Armagh and Titular Bishop of Hieron on 25 March 1991. His episcopal...
, serving as co-consecrators
Consecrator
Consecrator is a term used in the Roman Catholic Church to designate a bishop who ordains a priest to the episcopal state. The term is often used in Eastern Rite Churches and in Anglican communities. The term "Principal Consecrator" is used to designate the primary bishop who ordains a new bishop...
, at St. Patrick's Cathedral. He selected as his episcopal motto
Motto
A motto is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments...
: Jesum Christum Cognoscere, meaning: "To Know Jesus Christ" .
Upon Cardinal Daly's retirement on 1 October 1996, Bishop Brady automatically became Archbishop of Armagh
Archbishop of Armagh
The Archbishop of Armagh is the title of the presiding ecclesiastical figure of each of the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland in the region around Armagh in Northern Ireland...
and Primate of All Ireland and was formally installed
Enthronement
An enthronement is a ceremony of inauguration, involving a person—usually a monarch or religious leader—being formally seated for the first time upon their throne. This ritual is generally distinguished from a coronation because there is no crown or other regalia that is physically...
as Archbishop on the following 3 November. He presided over Cardinal Daly's funeral services in January 2010.
Cardinal
On 24 November 2007 in a consistory Archbishop Brady was created Cardinal-Priest of Santi Quirico e GiulittaSanti Quirico e Giulitta
The titular church of Santi Quirico e Giulitta in Rome is named after a son and mother who were martyred in 304 AD in Tarsus. The church is located in central Rome in front of Trajan's Forum. The address is: Via di Tor de’ Conti 31/A, 00184.Today the church is administered by the Third Order of...
as a symbol of the new cardinal's role in helping the pontiff to minister to the diocese of Rome. Following his elevation to the cardinalate he joined Cardinals Cahal Daly and Desmond Connell
Desmond Connell
Desmond Connell is a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. He is a former Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland. He was born in Dublin....
as one of three living Irish cardinals, a record in Irish history which was unchanged until Cardinal Daly's death in December 2009. Senior Vatican figures suggested that the Archbishop's positive contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process weighed heavily in Pope Benedict's decision to make him a Cardinal.
Cardinal Brady, as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, was elected President
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
of the Irish Episcopal Conference
Episcopal Conference
In the Roman Catholic Church, an Episcopal Conference, Conference of Bishops, or National Conference of Bishops is an official assembly of all the bishops of a given territory...
.
On 12 June 2008 in addition to his main duties he was appointed by Benedict as a member of congregations in the Roman Curia
Roman Curia
The Roman Curia is the administrative apparatus of the Holy See and the central governing body of the entire Catholic Church, together with the Pope...
. These are: the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity origins are associated with the Second Vatican Council which met intermittently from 1962–1965.Pope John XXIII wanted the Catholic Church to engage in the contemporary ecumenical movement...
and the Pontifical Council for Culture
Pontifical Council for Culture
The Pontifical Council for Culture is a department of the Roman Curia charged with fostering the relationship of the Catholic Church with different cultures. Pope John Paul II founded it on 20 May 1982...
.
Brady has kept a somewhat lower profile than the recent Archbishops of Armagh, Cahal Daly and Tomás Ó Fiaich, both of whom developed their reputations during the difficult days of the Troubles
The Troubles
The Troubles was a period of ethno-political conflict in Northern Ireland which spilled over at various times into England, the Republic of Ireland, and mainland Europe. The duration of the Troubles is conventionally dated from the late 1960s and considered by many to have ended with the Belfast...
and the Hunger Strikes
1981 Irish hunger strike
The 1981 Irish hunger strike was the culmination of a five-year protest during The Troubles by Irish republican prisoners in Northern Ireland. The protest began as the blanket protest in 1976, when the British government withdrew Special Category Status for convicted paramilitary prisoners...
.
In 2001, Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...
chose to make the then Archbishop of Dublin
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin
The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Dublin, , is a Roman Catholic archdiocese in eastern Ireland centred around the republic's capital city – Dublin. The see of Dublin was raised to the status of a Metropolitan Province by the Synod of Kells in 1152. Its jurisdiction includes much of the Province of...
and Primate of Ireland
Primate of Ireland
The Primacy of Ireland was historically disputed between the Archbishop of Armagh and the Archbishop of Dublin until finally settled by Pope Innocent VI. Primate is a title of honour denoting ceremonial precedence in the Church, and in the Middle Ages there was an intense rivalry between the two...
, Desmond Connell
Desmond Connell
Desmond Connell is a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. He is a former Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland. He was born in Dublin....
a cardinal, even though Connell was technically number two in church ranking behind Brady. It was the first time in a century that the red hat
Galero
A galero in the Catholic Church is a large, broad-brimmed tasseled hat worn by clergy. Over the centuries the galero was eventually limited in use to individual cardinals as a crown symbolizing the title of Prince of the Church...
was given to the Archbishop of Dublin rather than the Archbishop of Armagh. This was balanced in 2007, when Brady was elevated to the cardinalate. In 1984, the then Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Ryan, was nominated a cardinal by Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...
and transferred to a position in Rome, the Pro-Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in Rome is the congregation of the Roman Curia responsible for missionary work and related activities...
. However, Archbishop Ryan died before the consistory that would have elevated him to the cardinalate.
Health
In April 2010, Cardinal Brady, who was under pressure to resign and had publicly stated he was considering his position over his role in the cover-up of the activities of a paedophile priest, was officiating at a confirmation ceremony in the parish church of Kildress in County Tyrone, when he fell ill. He remained in a conscious state while waiting for an ambulance to arrive at the church. He is known to suffer from a blood pressure condition. He was admitted to Craigavon Area Hospital for observation.Same-sex unions in Ireland
On 4 November 2008, Brady criticized the Government's plan allowing for the recognition of cohabiting and same-sex couples, describing the plan in the negative sense as "perhaps the greatest revolution in the history of the Irish family" and that instead the Government were obliged by the Constitution to guard the institution of marriage "with special care".Credit union-type institutions
On 13 August 2009, Brady suggested that, with confidence in commercial banks declining, the time may have come for economists to take the lead in developing credit union-type institutions. These would focus on systems of lending, saving and insurance built on an ethic of authentic human development, the cardinal stated at the opening of the national novena in Knock ShrineKnock Shrine
Knock Shrine is a major Roman Catholic pilgrimage site and National Shrine in the village of Knock, County Mayo, Ireland, where it is claimed there was an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint John the Evangelist and Jesus Christ in 1879.-Details of the apparition:On the...
, County Mayo
County Mayo
County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...
. He noted that "Such initiatives would certainly increase the hope of a more humane and ethically robust economy." One such initiative was the credit union movement. Another was the Knights of Columbus ethical investment programme.
Irish overseas development budget
On 26 October 2009 Brady said that further cuts to Ireland’s overseas development budget would have a devastating impact on the lives of some of the world's poorest people, In a letter to Minister for Finance Brian LenihanBrian Lenihan
Brian Patrick Lenihan was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician, who served in a range of cabinet positions, most notably as Tánaiste , Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Justice....
he said: "These vulnerable people have had no part to play in creating the multiple crises now facing them – climate, financial, food – yet the challenges they face are unprecedented. I appeal to you not to turn your back on them. We must ensure that we maintain our current level of aid spending until such a time as we are in a position to build it up again."
Education
Cardinal Brady said in January 2010, that it was "blatantly unjust" and "a complete red herring" to say that the Catholic Church has no right to be involved in schools that receive State funding, in a strong defence of the role of the church in education. He said that parents had a right to have their children educated in accordance with their philosophical and religious convictions and the State had a duty to support this with public funds. The presumption the Catholic Church wanted to control as many schools as it could, irrespective of parental demands, was increasingly seen to be unfounded, he added.Abortion
In December 2010 Cardinal Brady said a European Court of Human RightsEuropean Court of Human Rights
The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg is a supra-national court established by the European Convention on Human Rights and hears complaints that a contracting state has violated the human rights enshrined in the Convention and its protocols. Complaints can be brought by individuals or...
ruling did not oblige the State to introduce legislation authorising abortion. The European court ruled Ireland has failed to properly implement the constitutional right to abortion where a woman is entitled to one where her life is at risk. Cardinal Brady said the judgment "leaves future policy in Ireland on protecting the lives of unborn children in the hands of the Irish people and does not oblige Ireland to introduce legislation authorising abortion".
Closure of embassy
In November 2011 Foreign Minister Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore
Eamon Gilmore is an Irish Labour Party politician and the current Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has been the Leader of the Labour Party since September 2007, and a Teachta Dála for the Dún Laoghaire constituency since 1989, first with the Workers' Party of Ireland, and...
announced that due to cost cutting measures, the Irish embassy to the Holy See
Holy See
The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, in which its Bishop is commonly known as the Pope. It is the preeminent episcopal see of the Catholic Church, forming the central government of the Church. As such, diplomatically, and in other spheres the Holy See acts and...
would close and that the duties of the ambassador would be dealt with by the secretary-general of the department. Cardinal Brady said that the closure “means that Ireland will be without a resident Ambassador to the Holy See for the first time since diplomatic relations were established and envoys were exchanged between the two states in 1929". He added that “This decision seems to show little regard for the important role played by the Holy See in international relations and of the historic ties between the Irish people and the Holy See over many centuries" and went on to say that "It is worth recalling that for the new Irish State, the opening of diplomatic relations with the Holy See in 1929 was a very significant moment. It was very important in asserting the identity and presence of the Irish Free State internationally in view of the fact that Irish diplomatic representation abroad was then confined to the legation in Washington, the office of the high commissioner in London, the permanent delegate to the League of Nations, and the Embassy to the Holy See".
Murphy Report
The Cardinal told RTÉ News in an interview, broadcast in December 2009 after the publication of the Murphy ReportMurphy Report
The Murphy Report is the brief name of the report of an investigation conducted by government of Ireland into the Sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic archdiocese of Dublin...
, that he was confident Bishop Donal Murray
Donal Murray
Donal Brendan Murray was the Roman Catholic Bishop of Limerick from 1996 to 2009. He had previously served as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Dublin diocese-Early life and ordination:...
of Limerick
Roman Catholic Diocese of Limerick
The Diocese of Limerick is a Roman Catholic diocese in mid-western Ireland. It is one of six suffragan dioceses in the ecclesiastical province of Cashel and is subject to the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly. The diocese is in the secular province of the same name - Munster...
will “do the right thing” in terms of considering his position in the wake of criticism in the Dublin diocesan report. He also said in that interview “If I found myself in a situation where I was aware that my failure to act had allowed or meant that other children were abused, well then, I think I would resign.”
The unprecedented 15–16 February 2010 summit at the Vatican
Holy See
The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, in which its Bishop is commonly known as the Pope. It is the preeminent episcopal see of the Catholic Church, forming the central government of the Church. As such, diplomatically, and in other spheres the Holy See acts and...
with Pope Benedict and senior members of the Curia was described by the Cardinal as “one step in a process [...] which will lead to a journey of repentance, renewal and reconciliation”. He said that process “hopefully, will gain momentum when we get back to Ireland”. At 8:00 a.m. twenty-four of Ireland’s diocesan bishops met Pope Benedict and seven leading members of the Curia in the first of three sessions, which continued to 1:00 p.m. and resume after noon until 8:00 p.m. The 16 February session began at 8:00 a.m. and ended late that morning. Each Irish bishop spoke for about five minutes.
Brady agreed that there had been “tensions” among the bishops over the fallout from the Murphy Report, “but to describe them as ‘divisions’ is another matter. Last week at Knock we had a very cordial retreat. Things were thrashed out fully and frankly”, he said. Brady brought up popular sentiment in his country that Papal envoy to Ireland Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza
Giuseppe Leanza
Giuseppe Leanza was born in Cesaro, Italy. and ordained on 17 July 1966.-Early life:After being awarded a Doctorate in Canon Law, he entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1972 and served at the pontifical representations in Paraguay, Uganda, the United States and in the section for...
should appear before the Foreign Affairs committee of Dáil Éireann
Dáil Éireann
Dáil Éireann is the lower house, but principal chamber, of the Oireachtas , which also includes the President of Ireland and Seanad Éireann . It is directly elected at least once in every five years under the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote...
, but was told that by practice a nuncio
Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland
The Holy See, as the central government of the Catholic Church , has full diplomatic ties with Ireland as well as many other countries worldwide. The current Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland is Archbishop-elect Monsignor Charles John Brown...
will not appear before a parliamentary committee.
Subsequent revelations and calls for resignation
In March 2010 it became widely known that the then Father Seán Brady had participated in an internal Church legal process in 1975 that required victims of Father Brendan Smyth to remain silent about their abuse. Smyth went on to abuse dozens of children before being brought to justice in 1994. Taken alongside his statement in December, this led to widespread calls for Cardinal Brady's resignation. The information of this internal process had been publicly available as far back as 10 August 1997 in an article by Declan White in the Mirror.One of those who was a child interviewed in the internal process is suing Cardinal Brady on the grounds that complaints about Fr. Smyth were not reported to the Garda
Garda Síochána
, more commonly referred to as the Gardaí , is the police force of Ireland. The service is headed by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Irish Government. Its headquarters are located in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.- Terminology :...
, that steps were not taken to prevent Fr. Smyth from committing further assaults, that the children were required to sign oaths not to discuss the complaints and that the failure to report the complaints led to the plaintiff and others not receiving appropriate medical treatment.
Labour Party spokesman on social and family affairs Róisín Shortall
Róisín Shortall
Róisín Shortall is an Irish Labour Party politician. She has been a Teachta Dála for the Dublin North West constituency since November 1992, and is the current Minister of State for Primary Care....
TD, said Cardinal Brady was “hopelessly compromised by what has emerged”. She said, “There should be a Garda investigation to determine whether or not the failure to report Fr Smyth’s crimes to the civil authorities was, itself, a criminal offence."
In May 2010, Cardinal Brady said that he will not resign as archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.
Dr. Brady has faced calls to resign since it emerged on 14 March 2009 that in 1975 he conducted an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse by Fr Brendan Smyth which involved him swearing two teenagers to secrecy. Standing outside Armagh Cathedral, the 70-year-old cleric acknowledged there were some who would not agree with his decision but vowed to lead the Church’s efforts to improve child protection measures. “It certainly wasn’t an easy decision” he said. “I have listened to a lot of people, reflected as I said I would, I listened to survivors, to priests, to religious people up and down the length of this diocese and I have decided to continue in my present role, to play my part in this diocese. “Because I want to maintain the momentum towards better child safeguarding and not alone that, also the momentum towards renewal of the faith, which is essential here and a big challenge.”
Dr. Brady said the vast majority of people he had spoken to wanted him to remain in post. “I was on pilgrimage to Lourdes yesterday with 800 people from this diocese and not one said they had no confidence in me, they said they wanted me to stay and continue this work.” Cardinal Brady told mass-goers at his St Patrick’s Day homily in March that he would take a period of time to reflect on his future in the church. He confirmed he would stay on following the announcement yesterday of an all-island audit into how the Church handles abuse allegations. He said he had asked for his own diocese to be inspected by Vatican officials.
In September 2010 Cardinal Brady asked whether Irish people have lost their capacity for mercy and forgiveness. “Have we become too aggressive and impatient in relation to the weaknesses and failings of others,” he asked. Speaking at a Mass in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, held to mark the 200th anniversary of St Nathy’s College there, he said: “I sometimes wonder if we are in danger of losing our sense of mercy and forgiveness in Ireland today.”
See also
- Roman Catholicism in IrelandRoman Catholicism in IrelandThe Catholic Church in Ireland is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, the Christian Church with full communion with the Pope, currently Benedict XVI...
- Diarmuid MartinDiarmuid MartinDiarmuid Martin is the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland. He was born in Dublin.-Early life and education:...
, archbishop of DublinRoman Catholic Archdiocese of DublinThe Metropolitan Archdiocese of Dublin, , is a Roman Catholic archdiocese in eastern Ireland centred around the republic's capital city – Dublin. The see of Dublin was raised to the status of a Metropolitan Province by the Synod of Kells in 1152. Its jurisdiction includes much of the Province of...
and Primate of IrelandPrimate of IrelandThe Primacy of Ireland was historically disputed between the Archbishop of Armagh and the Archbishop of Dublin until finally settled by Pope Innocent VI. Primate is a title of honour denoting ceremonial precedence in the Church, and in the Middle Ages there was an intense rivalry between the two... - Willie WalshWillie WalshWillie Walsh is an Irish airline executive who is CEO of International Airlines Group and the former CEO of Aer Lingus and British Airways.-Early life:...
, bishop of KillaloeRoman Catholic Diocese of KillaloeThe Diocese of Killaloe is a Roman Catholic diocese in mid-western Ireland. It is one of six suffragan dioceses in the ecclesiastical province of Cashel and is subject to the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly. The diocese is in the secular province of the same name - Munster...