Historian Catherine Corless, who spent four years researching the running of the Bon Secours home and concluded that 796 children had died there over almost four decades, said the Commission’s finding vindicated her work.

Fr Francis Gleeson was “a priest with extraordinary human qualities; a humble priest whose faith enabled him to do great things in war and peace”: Archbishop Martin.

St Patrick’s Cathedral seminar will explore previously unknown archival sources on soldiers and civilians.

“Healthcare cannot be selective or preferential – it must reach out to every human being."

Letter from Bing Crosby to Archbishop John Charles McQuaid dated to 10 October 1961.