The Taoiseach has led tributes to Cardinal Desmond Connell, who announced his retirement as Archbishop of Dublin today.
Fr Martin Cosgrove, the outgoing chairman of the Twelfth Council of Priests of Dublin
Mr Ahern said Dr Connell's 16-year tenure as Archbishop was a "very significant period" in the life of the city and that the Archdiocese that was "marked by times of great change and challenge, as well as development for the Archdiocese".
The Taoiseach said Dr Connell's "concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of his flock, especially the most marginalised, has been evident to all".
In a reference to the clerical child-sex abuse scandal that has rocked the Catholic Church, Mr Ahern noted Dr Connell had suffered "personal distress at the pain caused through the betrayal of trust by some".
Mr Ahern also sent his "good wishes" on behalf of the Government to the Cardinal's successor, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, "as he assumes the heavy burden of office".
The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Dr Seán Brady, praised Dr Connell's "clear vision, courageous honesty and outstanding integrity" and said his input will be greatly missed by the Irish Bishops' Conference.
He too sent his best wishes to Archbishop Martin, adding that he was "confident that under his leadership, the great resources of faith and spiritual energy of the people of God in Dublin will continue to flourish and bear fruit."
Fr Martin Cosgrove, the outgoing chairman of the Twelfth Council of Priests of Dublin, said Dr Martin's appointment represented the end of a "time of transition" for the Archdiocese.
"Since Archbishop Diarmuid came amongst us last May he has won the hearts, not only of the priests and religious of the diocese, but also of the laity wherever he has gone," Fr Cosgrove said.
"He is assured of the wholehearted support and co-operation of all of us as he leads us towards the New Evangelisation, which he has often spoken of in his vision for the Church in Dublin."
The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill, extended his "prayerful good wishes" to Dr Connell and said he looked forward to working with Dr Martin. "I know that we will be able to share in a common Christian witness in the coming years," he said.
