Francis replies to Zappone letter

Pope Francis has responded to the letter about the Tuam mother and baby home scandal which the Irish minister for children, Katherine Zappone, handed to him in Dublin in August, writes Sarah Mac Donald.

The Sunday Independent revealed the contents of Francis’ reply to Dr Zappone, which it had “exclusively” obtained. Francis offered his “prayerful solidarity and concern” for a “sad situation”.

In her August memo, Dr Zappone said the Church should “contribute substantially” to the costs of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, set up in 2015, but the Pope’s letter makes no reference to a financial contribution.

Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin told the Irish Times: “I’m surprised that I should learn contents of a letter which affects my position from the newspapers.”