Official reception at Dublin International Airport

Welcome ceremony and courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Ireland in the presidential residence

Official reception at Dublin International Airport

The aircraft carrying the Holy Father Francis, which left this morning from Rome at 8.30, is expected to land at 10.30 local time (11.30 Rome time) at Dublin International Airport.

Upon arrival, the Pope will be received by the deputy Prime Minister, Simon Coveney, and by two children who will offer a floral tribute to the Pope. Also present were Cardinals Kevin Joseph Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, and Seán Baptis Brady, archbishop emeritus of Armagh; H.E. Msgr. Eamon Martin, archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and President of the Irish Episcopal Conference; H.E. Msgr. Diarmuid Martin, archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland; H.E. Msgr. Michael Neary, archbishop of Tuam; H.E. Msgr. Kieran O’Reilly, S.M.A., archbishop of Cashel and Emly; His Grace Michael Jackson, Anglican archbishop of Dublin; and a family.

At the end of the official reception the Pope will transfer to Áras an Uachtaráin, the presidential residence situated in Phoenix Park, north of Dublin.

Welcome ceremony and courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Ireland in the presidential residence

Upon arrival at the Irish presidential residence, expected to occur around at 11.15 local time (12.15 in Rome), Pope Francis will be received at the main entrance by the President of the Republic of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, and his wife. The welcome ceremony will then take place, with the anthems and military honours. At 11.30, in the State Appointment Room, the signing of the book of honour and the presentation of the delegations will take place.

The Holy Father and the President will then transfer to the adjacent “Reception Room” for the private meeting and the presentation of the family.

At the end of the meeting, the President will accompany the Pope to the garden of the residence, where he will plant a tree.

Finally, the Holy Father will leave the residence and transfer to Dublin Castle for the meeting with the authorities, civil society and the Diplomatic Corps.