Sir, – The author of a piece in the Opinion & Analysis section ("Pope's visit a vital boost for persecuted Catholics", August 28th), Maria Steen, is described as a "barrister". Given the opinions put forward in the article, this is somewhat inadequate. As previously reported in your newspaper (News, August 15th), Ms Steen is a "prominent anti-abortion campaigner who is best known as a spokeswoman for the Iona Institute, a conservative think tank".
Credit where credit is due! – Yours, etc,
DAVID JG LEWIS,
Berlin.
Sir, – Maria Steen’s hyperbole is not only unfounded, but it is deeply disrespectful to Christians and other religious believers who face very real persecution across the world. – Yours, etc,
Dr RICHARD SCRIVEN,
Ballinlough,
Cork.
Sir, – What a relief to read that “Seeking forgiveness is harder than saying sorry” in the article by Maria Steen. It was about time that you reported on the actual meaning of the pope’s visit. – Yours, etc,
WILLIE RYAN,
Fairview,
Dublin 3