Senator Aubrey McCarthy, who was received during an audience with Pope Leo XIV in Rome over Christmas. Photo enhanced by Tony G Murray Photography, Naas.
Senator Aubrey McCarthy and First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, during the state visit to Ireland, on December 2, 2025. Photo: Tony Maxwell.
The St Brigid’s Cross, by Newbridge Silverware.
The humanitarian work of a Wicklow charity was shared with Pope Leo XIV recently, as Senator Aubrey McCarthy, a leading figure in Greystones through his organisation Tiglin, had the “privilege” to meet His Holiness during a Christmas audience in Rome.
During the meeting, Senator McCarthy spoke to Pope Leo about his previous work with the homeless in Peru and how it mirrored the vital work being carried out in County Wicklow by Tiglin.
He outlined Tiglin’s commitment to supporting individuals and families facing addiction, homelessness, and social exclusion, and emphasised the transformative impact of its services in Ashford, Greystones, and across the wider Wicklow community. Senator McCarthy said the Pope was deeply interested in the organisation’s mission.
As a personal gesture, Senator McCarthy invited the Pope to Ireland and presented Pope Leo with a handcrafted Newbridge Silverware St Brigid’s Cross. The gift, created by the renowned Kildare-based company, symbolises peace, protection and the enduring legacy of St Brigid. St. Brigid’s Day is celebrated on February 1 each year.
Speaking after the meeting, Senator McCarthy said he was honoured to share both the story of St Brigid and the work of Tiglin with the Pope.
The meeting with the Pope follows Senator McCarthy’s role in welcoming President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska during their state visit to Ireland, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
Senator McCarthy, convener of the Irish Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, was given the honour of accompanying Mrs Zelenska into the Dáil chamber while her husband delivered a historic address to both Houses of the Oireachtas.