Ireland's relationship with the Holy See
Ireland’s relationship with the Holy See goes back centuries. It was one of the Irish Free State’s earliest formal diplomatic relationships, established with the Holy See in 1929.
The relationship long predates 1929, however. Irish people had travelled to Rome and the Vatican over many centuries and founded Irish Colleges throughout Europe and in Rome. Waterford-born Franciscan Luke Wadding founded the first Irish Colleges in Rome, as places where Irish friars could study for the priesthood. He founded St. Isidore’s Irish College in 1625 and Pontifical Irish College in 1628,
Enduring connections based on common values
Ireland’s relationship with the Holy See has evolved over the last century and today we share enduring connections based on common values. Ireland and the Holy See share a strong interest in multilateralism, concern for our climate, the need for nuclear disarmament, the fight against human trafficking, and more.
A number of Irish priests work both in the Holy See civil service and as Holy See diplomats, serving in their Missions (Nunicatures) abroad.
The 'Rome Escape Line'
Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, a remarkable Irish cleric, was an employee of the Holy See during World War II. A senior official in the Vatican, he is estimated to have saved up to 4,000 Jews and prisoners of war during the Nazi occupation of Rome. With his network of helpers throughout the city, Monsignor O’Flaherty ran the famed ‘Rome Escape Line’ through which he succeeded in helping thousands escape persecution. President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Monsignor O’Flaherty during a State visit to the Holy See in October 2023, laying a wreath in his honour.
Irish Houses
There are several ‘Irish Houses’ in Rome today – the Pontifical Irish College, the Basilica of San Clemente, the Basilica of San Silvestro and St. Isidore’s College. Irish people will find the warmest of welcomes at Sunday Mass in all of these houses and many Irish couples still choose to get married in Rome.
Rome is the headquarters for a large number of religious congregations and many Irish Sisters and Priests based in Rome with their congregations as friends arepart of the Irish community.