19/10/2007

Irish Papal Visit Imminent?

A leading Irish clergyman believes Pope Benedict XVI will visit Ireland soon, and that the Queen will also travel to the Irish Republic.

Speaking in New York, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said he interpreted the choice of the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr. Sean Brady as a cardinal as an indication the pope wants to visit.

Archbishop Martin said a papal visit, particularly to Ulster, would symbolically end an era in the island's history and open up a new future, north and south.

The Dublin Archbishop said he saw Dr Brady's appointment as a sign of the Pope's interest in visiting Ireland and noted that the Irish bishops had already formally invited Pope Benedict.

He said that such an initiative, combined with a likely visit by Queen Elizabeth, would mark a new era in Ireland.

If it takes place, this would be the first papal visit here since Pope John Paul II arrived in Ireland in 1979 and would be a first ever such visit for Northern Ireland.

(BMcC)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

22 August 2018
Pope's Visit To Ireland 'Opportunity For Victims' To Address Issues - SF
The visit of Pope Francis to Ireland this weekend has been welcomed as "an opportunity to meet victims and address issues", by Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill. Ms O'Neill had intended to attend Dublin Castle and the mass in Phoenix Park this weekend, however, the Sinn Féin MLA has suffered a broken leg and will no longer be able to attend.
21 March 2018
Pope Francis To Visit Ireland
Pope Francis is to visit Ireland in August. It will be his first papal trip to the country in almost 40 years. The pontiff will travel to Dublin to attend the World Meeting of Families. Pope John Paul was the last pontiff to visit Ireland in 1979.
08 March 2011
Papal Visit Expected In 2012
Ireland has been selected as the destination for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, paving the way for a Papal visit next year. Although no official confirmation has emerged, The Pope is expected to be the chief celebrant at the Congress, which will likely involve an open air Mass in Dublin's Croke Park in June, 2012.
02 July 2010
'No Pope Here' Says Paisley
Former Stormont First Minister and ex-DUP leader, Ian Paisley has said it was a "mistake" to invite Pope Benedict XVI to Britain. He told the BBC that His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI should not be invited to the UK at all.
11 June 2018
Pope Francis Will Not Visit NI In August
Pope Francis will not be travelling to Northern Ireland in August. The announcement was made by the Vatican who outlined his itinerary on 25 and 26 August. He will visit a homeless day centre and he will also attend the Festival of Families at Croke Park in Dublin. This will be the first papal visit to Ireland in almost 40 years.