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Pope Leo presented with shamrocks from Kerry
Pope Leo XIV was presented with a little piece of Kerry from Norma Foley who visited the Vatican to mark St. Patrick’s Day.
She was the first Irish government minister to meet with Pope Leo, who was elected last May following the passing of Pope Francis.
Minister Foley presented Pope Leo with a beautifully crafted Naomhóg Dingle Crystal bowl and Ballinskelligs Shamrock at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican during her St Patrick’s Day visit to Italy last week.
Minister Foley described it as an honour to present the shamrock to Pope Leo, saying: “The handcrafted Dingle Crystal bowl takes the shape of a Naomhóg inspired by the voyages of St. Brendan, patron saint of Kerry, and the rich maritime tradition and enduring spirit of the Irish people”.
Pope Leo thanked Minister Foley for the bowl of Shamrock and mentioned his knowledge of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in his home city of Chicago, where they dye the river green to celebrate St Patrick. Pope Leo XIV has visited Ireland on a number of occasions while Prior General of the Augustinian Order between 2001 and 2013.
He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, and can read Latin and German, and holds advanced degrees in Mathematics, Divinity, and Canon Law.


