Varadkar to ask Pope for full disclosure on issue of child abuse
Taoiseach expected to meet pontiff at Dublin Castle
The Taoiseach has vowed to press Pope Francis for answers on child abuse by Catholic priests when he visits tomorrow.
Leo Varadkar said he will ask for full disclosure on the abuse issue.
“We can open a new chapter in relations between Ireland, Irish State and the Catholic church one that is more equal one that is more respectful – one more modern,” he said.
“Things are far from perfect in Ireland when it comes to issues around child protection.
But we have made a lot of strides in the right direction in the last couple of years.”
Mr Varadkar said he also wanted to tell the Pope that many Catholics from an LGBT background feel "excluded'' from the church.
Leo Varadkar is expected to meet the pontiff at Dublin Castle on Saturday.
He is Ireland's first openly-gay leader.