A FERMANAGH priest, who holds a leading role in the Roman Curia at the Vatican, said it was an “indescribable experience” to attend the papal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at St Peter’s Square.

Derrylin cleric Fr Enda Murphy was one of a reported 200,000 people who turned out to the Vatican on Sunday as the 69-year-old received his pallium and his unique Ring of the Fisherman.

The local priest, who was appointed to the role of ‘Domestic Chaplain to His Holiness’ in the Curia by Pope Francis, praised the simplicity and poignancy of Pope Leo’s inauguration Mass.

“It was celebrated with great solemnity and simplicity. There was also great beauty with it being celebrated in the open. It was an indescribable experience,” Monsignor Murphy told the ‘Herald.

“One of the most striking images was when he received the Fisherman’s Ring.

“He looked at it and he was very moved. I think it was that realisation of what this great responsibility means.”

Pope Leo XIV, who was appointed in last week’s Conclave following the death of Pope Francis, made a plea in his inauguration sermon for peace talks to continue between Ukraine and Russia.

He also offered the Vatican as a potential venue for peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, pleading for an end to the violence.

“Pope Leo XIV said he wants to build bridges,” explained Mosignor Murphy.

“It was noticeable that President Zelensky met with United States Vice President JD Vance and the meeting seemed to be very cordial. It was a lot different to their meeting in the Oval Office.”

The Derrylin cleric, who worked in close proximity to Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, before his appointment as pontiff, has welcomed his commitment to help the Roman Catholic Church grow.

“Those of us who work in the Curia, our role is to help the Holy Father,” said Monsignor Murphy.

“That’s what we do every day and we’ll continue to do that, to help him as a successor to Peter and a pastor to the church.

“We’ll help him in his ministry, there’s no doubt about that.”

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