Dharamshala — His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Catherine Connolly to congratulate her on being sworn in as the tenth President of Ireland. His Holiness wrote, "I wish you every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Ireland."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Spiritual Leader of Tibet, wrote to Catherine Connolly on November 12, 2025, following her swearing-in as Ireland's tenth President on November 11, 2025. She became the third woman to be elected President of Ireland.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote, "Your many years’ experience in public service will serve you well in these trying times when the world is confronting immense challenges.".
"In addition to your election crowning your personal achievements, I am pleased to note that your country has once more elected a woman President. As you may know, there is scientific evidence that when it comes to compassion, women are more sensitive to the feelings of others. I therefore believe that if more of our leaders were women, the world would be a more understanding, peaceful place," the nobel laureate stated.
His Holiness concluded his letter by writing, "I wish you every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Ireland."
Catherine Martina Ann Connolly has been President of Ireland since November 11, 2025. She was a Member of Parliament (Teachta Dála, TD) for the Galway West constituency from 2016 until her election as President in 2025. She was a member of the Labour Party and Mayor of Galway. Connolly ran as an independent candidate in the 2025 presidential election and defeated Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin in a landslide victory, becoming the third woman to be elected President of Ireland. Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.
