Pope ‘is excited to be returning’

Francis, who came to Ireland in 1980, sends a ‘warm greeting’ ahead of his visit at weekend

POPE Francis has said he is excited to be returning to Ireland and hopes his visit will spark ‘renewed encouragement to families everywhere’.

In a video message, the Pontiff said he was looking forward to his two-day trip to Dublin and the Knock holy shrine in Co. Mayo.

He said: ‘Although the specific reason for my visit to Ireland is the World Meeting of Families, I would like to include all the members of the Irish family.

‘In a particular way, I pray that it may further the growth of unity and reconciliation among all Christ’s followers, as a sign of that lasting peace which is God’s dream for our whole human family,’ he said.

‘As I prepare to visit Ireland in a few days’ time for the World Meeting of Families, I send a warm word of greeting to all the Irish people. I am excited at the thought of returning to Ireland.’

Fr Jorge Bergoglio, as the Pontiff was known when he visited Ireland almost 40 years ago, visited the Jesuit Institute in Milltown, Dublin between January and March 1980 to study English.

His video message coincided with the opening of the World Meeting of Families at the RDS, where hundreds of pilgrims gathered for the opening prayers of the event, which were led by the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin.

Archbishop Martin told the crowd that social media created new challenges for families.

‘This is an important evening... after many months of preparation, this evening in every diocese across Ireland, we open the World Meeting of the Family 2018 in Dublin.

‘Today, family life is changed. Families here in Ireland have many opportunities and many new challenges. We will be looking at them over these next three days in the RDS.

‘Look at communications and social media. They can become a path of openness and they can also become narrow and addictive.

‘How do we get young people to learn to use the gifts that God and human creativity will provide for them in a challenging future?’

Archbishop Martin continued: ‘It may seem a strange thing to say, but we have to find ways of ensuring that these new relationships and challenges in family culture become “clothed in love”.

‘Only the power of love can purify and restore our Church and us and our society.

‘Young people must learn the demands and the power and the beauty of love.’

Over 37,000 people from 116 different countries are expected to attend the RDS for a series of events as part of the religious gathering.

Families and pilgrimage groups have travelled from as far as Africa, Canada, Europe, Australia and India for the three-day event. WMOF spokeswoman Brenda Drumm said that many families will be taking part in the Catholic festival.

‘We’ll have between 12,000 and 14,000 overseas visitors. Then the rest are from Ireland,’ she said.

‘We will have around 6,500 people

‘To all the Irish people’

under the age of 18, and to put that into perspective, for the last Meeting of World Families in Philadelphia, the pastoral congress was attended by 17,000 people and there was 800 under-18s.’

Around 20,000 people will attend the daily Mass at the RDS while some 290 speakers, which includes 90 laywomen and 65 laymen, will address a wide range of topics.

‘We are covering everything from technology, to domestic abuse, human trafficking and the impact of technology on family prayer life,’ Ms Drumm added. Earlier yesterday, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope would hold a private meeting during his visit with victims of clerical abuse by Catholic priests.

The Pope will arrive in Dublin on Saturday. He will travel to Knock, Co. Mayo, on Sunday before returning to Dublin. He will return to Rome on Sunday.