Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said Pope Francis "is a very different personality than any of his predecessors".
Mr Kenny was responding to The Irish Times asking him about the pope's interview where he indicated he wants a new balance within the Catholic Church, and a greater involvement of women in the organisation.
Speaking about the pope in Dundalk today, the Taoiseach said: "I think he recognises the challenge that faces the church and he is trying to address that in a very different way.
“I think he is right in pointing out that the church should not be seen to be constricted in very particular areas.
I haven’t read his interview in full but I think it is generally welcomed as a refreshing view of a church that is challenged by somebody who is new in the Vatican with a view to how that message should be spread.”