“The cynical disregard of truth, the deliberate manipulation of information, has become endemic at the highest levels and has proved corrosive and destructive of our society,” said Canon David Oxley.

A special liturgical reception was hosted at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Dublin to formally welcome 60-year-old Nigerian, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the first African priest to hold the Church’s most senior diplomatic role in the State.

“Violence only leads to retaliation and further grief” and those who resort to violence are left in an insecurity in which “they know no sophisticated modern security systems can really protect them or their loved ones.”

President Higgins, civic and political representatives, members of the diplomatic corps joined religious leaders to remember the victims of the Brussels attacks.

At least 7,000 people took to the streets of Brussels on Sunday in a march “against terror and hate”.

There is a need for “for mid-term and long-term planning which is not limited to emergency responses” Pontiff warns diplomatic corps.

Religious leaders, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and French community to attend Mass in Pro Cathedral in Dublin.

Archbishop tells members of Oireachtas and Diplomatic Corps that hidden in Irish society is a serious problem of people who are the victims of trafficking.