Vatican Embassy to Close, by Mark Nolan, The Leader, November 4, 2011

Vatican Embassy to Close

By Mark Nolan
The Leader
November 4, 2011

http://www.theleader.info/article/31297/spain/national/vatican-embassy-to-close/

The Catholic Church has been shocked by the decision to close the Vatican embassy in Ireland because "it yields no economic return".

A source for the Vatican said that they are "extremely irritated" by the wording, as it shows no respect for the work that the Vatican does in “promoting human values”.

Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore said, "The government believes that Ireland's interests with the Holy See can be sufficiently represented by a non-resident ambassador".

This is only the latest move in causing a rift between the sides, the Vatican recalled its ambassador to Ireland in July after Prime Minister Enda Kenny suggested them of “obstructing investigations into sexual abuse by priests”.

Cardinal Sean Brady said the decision showed "little regard for the important role played by the Holy See in international relations" and that he hoped the decision would be reversed.