06-07-2025
Pope Leo XIV praises the ‘faith' of Irish teacher group
Pope Leo XIV had warm praise for a group of Irish teachers, who he described as 'models of faith', during a meeting at the Vatican yesterday.
The pontiff met with a delegation of teachers from Ireland and the UK, led by Bishop Paul Connell of Ardagh and Clonmacnois and Archbishop William Nolan of Glasgow, Scotland.
Bishop Connell said: 'We came to Rome hoping to strengthen our faith and reflect on the work we do as teachers in Catholic schools.' Pope Leo XIV had warm praise for a group of Irish teachers, who he described as 'models of faith', during a meeting at the Vatican yesterday. Pic: VATICAN MEDIA / Catholic Press Photo
Directly addressing the teachers, Pope Leo said: 'Children will look up to you as models of faith, particularly in how you teach and live.
'I hope that, each day, you will nurture your relationship with Christ, who gives us the pattern of all authentic, so that, in turn, you may guide and encourage those entrusted to your care to follow Christ in their own lives.'
Following the papal audience, Bishop Connell said of the visit: 'Since our arrival, there has been a wonderful bonding among the entire group. The education context is different in each of our countries, but we are learning so much from each other.'
