The Pope is to resign
A Vatican Spokesperson has confirmed that Pope Benedict will step down on February 28th, due to health reasons
The 85 year old is the first Pope to resign in centuries, and in a statement he says he is "fully aware of the gravity of the gesture"
Pope Benedict, who was elected in 2005 to succeed Pope John Paul the second, says that his "strengths, due to an advanced age", are no longer suited to the job
on Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Fr Albert McDonnell, Parish Priest of Kildysart, Coolmeen/Cranny
Fr McDonnell is the former vice rector of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome and Kilmaley native
He spoke about the gravity of the Pontiff’s decision, the implications and the conclave process.
Pope Benedict 16th ‘s decision to resign sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March
All cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote in the conclave – the secret meeting held in the Sistine Chapel where cardinals cast ballots to elect a new Pope
As per tradition, the ballots are burned after each voting round; black smoke signals no Pope has been chosen, while white smoke means a Pope has been elected
One of the Cardinals tipped to be in the running, Peter Turkson from Ghana, spent time in the Irish College in Rome
Clare FM’s Doireann Wylde headed onto the streets of Ennis to ask people their views on the news
John Cooke was joined in studio by Bishop of Killaloe Kieran O’Reilly to discuss the move and the possible contenders.
Will Cahir of Cahir and Co, Ennis – a Volunteer Solicitor at the Free Legal Advice Clinic operated by Clare Citizens’ Information Service joined John in studio to discuss Personal Injuries.
Six women from the Magdalene Survivors Together group have said they are confident they will receive an apology on behalf of the State from the Taoiseach very soon.
The women were speaking after a three-hour meeting with both Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore at Government Buildings yesterday
They said they had received a very compassionate response from both men.
Johhn spoke with their spokepserson Steven O’ Riordan who said they wanted to share their stories with the two men and hoped an apology would be forthcoming
Frankie Coote, Clare ISPCA Warden, joined John in studio and spoke about recent sheep attacks and asked dog owners to please keep dogs under control as lambing season is underway
He also said that he is receiving complaints from farmers that people are putting horses onto their land without their knowledge
Contact the ISCPA Animal Shelter on 065 6820393.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
