Taoiseach Micheal Martin said Pope Leo XIV was ‘very clear and frank’ that the Church needs to support survivors of abuse.

Martin and his wife Mary were greeted in the San Damaso Courtyard on Friday morning by Prefect of the Papal Household Petar Rajic.

A NEW study has revealed Carlow to be one of Ireland’s most papal-obsessed counties as Pope Leo XIV takes the reins at the Vatican.

Irish premier Micheal Martin and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill have also congratulated the new pontiff.

Political leaders in Ireland have been passing on congratulations at the new Pope was elected in Rome.