Ireland 'peace inspiration': Pope

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6996564.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Northern Ireland should be an inspiration to those around the world seeking peace, the Pope has said.

Pope Benedict XVI told Ireland's new ambassador to the Holy See, Noel Fahey, NI had shown "conflict, no matter how ingrained, can be overcome".

"The Northern Ireland peace process has been a long and arduous endeavour - at last there is hope that it will bear enduring fruit," he said.

The pontiff met Mr Fahey at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

In May 2007 devolved government returned to Northern Ireland after unionist and republican leaders agreed to share power.

Earlier this month, Northern Ireland and South African politicians helped out at talks in Finland involving leaders of Iraq's warring Sunni and Shia factions.

The Iraqis agreed to consult further on a series of principles on non-violence, labelled the Helsinki agreement.

The Catholic pontiff said peace in Northern Ireland came thanks to "widespread international support,determined political resolve on the part of both the Irish and British governments, and the readiness of communities and individuals to embrace the sublime human capacity toforgive".

"It is my fervent prayer that the peace which is alreadybringing renewal to the north will inspire political andreligious leaders in other troubled zones of the world,"the Pope said.