Northern Ireland's cardinal hopes country's peace is source of hope

Published: 2007-11-26

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh, Northern Ireland, expressed hope that the Northern Ireland peace process would inspire "peacemakers across the world" by showing them that long-ingrained, violent conflict was possible to overcome. After he received his red hat from Pope Benedict XVI during a Nov. 24 consistory, the primate of all Ireland met the same day with reporters covering the celebrations. He said he was "very honored and humbled" to be inducted into the College of Cardinals, but that he hoped his elevation also would been seen as a sign of the pope's "particular regard and affection" for the people and church in Ireland. The 68-year-old cardinal said he was grateful for the support and encouragement he received from Irish people of other faiths, including members of the loyal orders, or Protestant fraternities, that some critics maintain are fundamentally hostile to Catholics.

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