The pope wasn't exactly the brightest bulb in the box when it came to conflict resolution in places like Ireland, the Balkans, Rwanda, etc.

Hell, the pope couldn't even be bothered to go to the north and visit Armagh when he visited. What might that have done for the joke we call "the Northern Irish peace process" hmmmmmm?

The pope simply mouthed the same blanket condemnations of the IRA we've heard from 10 Downing and Westminster for decades when it came to Northern Ireland. And we can see how well that strategy has worked out.