Archbishop Nichols joins welcome for Dublin's new Coadjutor Archbishop

The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Birmingham, said in a statement last night: "I was delighted to be present, in Dublin, on Saturday 30 August, for the Rite of Welcome for Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, the newly appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Dublin.

"As the eventual successor to Cardinal Desmond Connell, the welcome given to the new Archbishop was most warm and heartening. It was an impressive and joyful celebration of Mass in Dublin's Pro-Cathedral.

"The President of Ireland, the Prime Minister and the leaders of the Opposition parties, the Lord Mayor of Dublin and many other civic leaders were present, together with the leaders of other churches and other faiths."

Archbishop Nichols said: "As a priest of the Archdiocese, although absent from Ireland for over twenty years, Archbishop Martin was clearly enjoying being back home. He spoke with all the clarity and finesse that have been evident in the distinguished service he has given to the Holy See, most recently in its relations with the United Nations.

"There was a tangible optimism among all present in the Cathedral that the Church in Ireland, and Irish society, is gaining a new voice, a committed and sensitive protagonist for the Gospel. He was warmly welcomed by all."

Archbishop Nichols added: "I encourage Catholics in the Archdiocese of Birmingham to pray for Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and the Catholic Church in Ireland."