The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will officially visit Ireland for two days later this year..
In announcment made today the Vatican said the 81 year old pontiff will visit Ireland for the three yearly World Meeting of Families.
Although the date has yet to be officially confirmed, the Vatican say Pope Francis will visit Dublin on August 25 and 26.
The announcment which was rumoured for a long time, was welcomed by the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference who said full details of Pope Francis visit will be announced in due course.
Meanwhile the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also welcomed the announcment saying the Pope is more than welcome to visit Ireland and that he is personally looking forward to meeting the Pope during his official visit.