Anti-IRA Figure Named Irish Spiritual Leader

LONDON — Pope John Paul II this week appointed a prelate who has condemned the Irish Republican Army as evil to be the new spiritual leader of the 4 million Catholics on both sides of the Irish border.

Archbishop Cahal Daly’s outspoken and constant denunciation of the IRA and his pursuit of reconciliation between Ireland’s so-called “two traditions” were believed major factors in his selection as archbishop of Armagh and primate of all Ireland. He contributed to the Pope’s appeal for peace in all Ireland during a 1979 visit.

Daly, 73, the oldest appointee to the Irish primacy in 170 years, replaces Cardinal Tomas O’Fiaich, who died of a heart attack while on a pilgrimage to Lourdes earlier this year. The position traditionally leads to elevation as a cardinal.