Senator David Norris has told the Vatican to stop interfering in Ireland's domestic affairs.In the Seanad, the senator demanded an explanation as to why the Papal Nuncio, the Holy See's ambassador in Ireland, is allowed to comment on Irish affairs.
"Does the Papal Nuncio have a unique position among ambassadors to this country, that he alone is permitted to intervene in the domestic affairs of the country to whom he's accredited?
"No other ambassador would presume to do so," he said.
Senator Norris said the Catholic Church's current stance on abortion contradicts its old opinion where termination was tolerated up to a certain point.
He told the Seanad that the Church used to allow abortion until the 166th day of pregnancy.