Pope Leo urged to resolve Dublin’s 500-year-old cathedral conflict

The ongoing dispute regarding Dublin’s cathedral situation has caught the attention of the Pope. The Catholic community in Ireland is seeking the intervention of Pope Leo XIV to officially designate St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral as the city’s primary Catholic cathedral. This request comes amidst a 500-year void without an official Catholic cathedral in Dublin.

Understanding Dublin’s Cathedral Conundrum

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, located on Marlborough Street, was completed in 1825. This year marks its 200th anniversary. Despite its humble appearance, St Mary’s serves as a significant representation of the Catholic faith in Dublin.

Originally referred to as “pro tempore,” the term suggests that St Mary’s was intended for temporary use, awaiting the construction of a more permanent structure. Two centuries later, the cathedral still holds this temporary designation.

The Crypt and Historical Importance

• The crypt of St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral is the final resting place for nearly 1,000 individuals, including notable former archbishops.
• Among its historic events, the cathedral hosted the funeral of Michael Collins in 1922, who was a key figure in the establishment of the Irish Free State.
• Pope Francis expressed a desire to visit this significant site during his trip to Ireland.

Attempts to Establish a Permanent Cathedral

Over the years, several initiatives have been made to construct a formal Catholic cathedral in Dublin. A notable attempt occurred in the 1930s with an architectural competition to build a cathedral in Merrion Square. However, the project never came to fruition.

Speculations suggest that the design was either too extravagant or overly dominant for the square, leading to its abandonment.

New Leadership and Renewed Proposals

Dermot Farrell, the Archbishop of Dublin since 2021, has reignited discussions about the city’s need for an official Catholic cathedral. He recently inquired about the historical lack of a dedicated cathedral for the past 500 years, prompting further contemplation on the matter.

• One proposal included designating St Andrew’s Church, located on Westland Row in south Dublin, as the official cathedral, while recognizing St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral as a minor basilica.

The proposal for St Mary’s as the official cathedral is currently awaiting the attention of Pope Leo XIV. Father McDermott expressed hope that approval could be granted this year, coinciding with the bicentenary celebration of St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral.