VATICAN CITY
The Irish Times
PADDY AGNEW
ANALYSIS: ONE OF the most regular observations made by Vatican insiders is that, for a small country of only four million no longer so devout Catholics, Ireland earns itself a disproportionate amount of Holy See attention.
In recent years, the Irish bishops have been summoned to Rome for a two-day “crisis” meeting with Pope Benedict XVI; the pope has written a highly unusual Pastoral Letter . . . to the Catholics of Ireland; and 18 months ago the Vatican sent in the “heavy brigade from headquarters” for an apostolic visitation to Ireland.
The full consequences of that visit still have to be felt but recent personnel changes at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome suggest the initiative may yet leave its mark on the church in Ireland.
When it comes to an issue such as Ireland, decisions and policy in the Vatican are taken essentially by three or four people, with a little help along the way.
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