Papal visit sights and sounds: Pope Francis has left Ireland
Pope Francis has boarded his flight home to Rome after a world wind two-day visit to Ireland.
Pope Francis prepares to board his flight back to Italy https://t.co/uQAP4jHn50
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 26, 2018
Pope Francis leaves Phoenix Park for Dublin Airport
The event in the Phoenix Park has finished, please use
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) August 26, 2018
the colour coded route on your ticket.#PopeInIreland#Popeinthepark pic.twitter.com/gcEJGY5izm
People at the Lough Church, Cork, watching the Papal Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.
World Meeting of Families closing mass continues at Phoenix Park
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Micheal D. Higgins attending the World Meeting of Famillies closing cermony mass at Phoenix Park.
Today I’m joining thousands from across Ireland to hear Pope Francis say Mass in Phoenix Park. Ireland is a different country to 39 years ago. But this visit has caused us to reflect more deeply on the relationship between Ireland and the Church, brought to Ireland centuries ago. pic.twitter.com/usujSdbm59
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) August 26, 2018
World Meeting of Families closing mass is underway.
The Papal Mass in the Phoenix Park is getting under way #popeinireland https://t.co/VsVJG57j1f
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 26, 2018
Aerial photos of the crowds at Phoenix Park.
Pope Francis has arrived at Phoenix Park.
Pope Francis arrives in the Phoenix Park #popeinireland | https://t.co/giNhTUfh9p pic.twitter.com/2IoD7VfYuw
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 26, 2018
#ENVIVO SANTA MISA PAPA FRANCISCO @Pontifex_es Parque Fénix Encuentro Mundial d Familias 2018 Irlanda @WMOF2018 #wmof2018 ~ Domingo 26 Agosto 2018 @LaityFamilyLife @IglesiaMexico @monspaglia @ArzobispoAguiar @UNPF_mx #periscope #popeinireland https://t.co/Gs7d8PUgtM
— Unión de Voluntades (@UnionVoluntades) August 26, 2018
Severe downpours have failed to dampen the spirits of pilgrims trekking to see the Pope.
[gallery]37[/gallery]
Tens of thousands of people are making their way to Dublin's Phoenix Park where he will say Mass at 3.30pm.
Pope Francis arrives back in Dublin ahead of mass in the Phoenix Park.
Pope Francis arrives back in Dublin ahead of mass in the Phoenix Park https://t.co/GN7634bzJ2
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 26, 2018
Audrey Elliott with the signed Co Mayo jersey by Pope Francis at Ireland West Airport, Knock in County Mayo, which she hopes will lift the Mayo 'curse' so the team can win an All-Ireland title.
Pope Francis took the time to stop and sign a Mayo jersey for a fan before leaving Knock.
Pope Francis signs a Mayo football jersey at the airport in Knock. Will that end the curse? #popeinireland pic.twitter.com/Zexo18JZXv
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 26, 2018
Pope Francis has arrived at the Knock Shrine and is touring the grounds in his Popemobile.
It is the second one being used in Ireland during his visit.
Francis waved to well-wishers as he was driven past the flag-waving crowds.
Popemobile travels through the estate of Knock Shrine #popeinireland pic.twitter.com/yr3kYhqXv0
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 26, 2018
Update - 10am: Pope met by local schoolchildren in Knock
Pope Francis has departed Knock Aiport and is en route to the Shrine where he will be greeted by 45,000 pilgrims.
The Pontiff was met at the airport by around 100 schoolchildren from Co Mayo as he landed in heavy rain.
Pope Francis is welcomed to Knock Airport | https://t.co/giNhTUfh9p pic.twitter.com/s07bntFWeo
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 26, 2018
Pope greets local school children @Irelandwest #popeinireland pic.twitter.com/i2vPJRQlEa
— EileenMagnier (@EileenMagnier) August 26, 2018
Meanwhile, attendees are eagerly awaiting the Pontiff's arrival at the wet and blustery Knock Shrine which is dominated by an enormous Celtic-style cross.
Earlier, the crowd sang Ave Maria and waved blue Knock flags while listening to the tale of 15 ordinary people who witnessed the apparition.
Earlier: Early crowds brave the rain in Knock
It is day two of the Pope’s trip to Ireland, with 500,000 people due to attend mass in Dublin’s Phoenix Park later today.
Before that, the Pontiff will fly to Knock Shrine in Mayo this morning, arriving at 9.45am to deliver a short address and to say the Angelus to 45,000 people.
Pilgrims arrived early to queue for entry to the Shrine, braving the rain with umbrellas.
@Pontifex #PopeInIreland @rtenews People queuing from early morning at Knock Shrine pic.twitter.com/2PM7zJgGPF
— Teresa Mannion (@TeresaMannion) August 26, 2018
Pilgrims braving the downpour in Knock. Pope not due for a few hours #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/80cCA9nPm7
— Juliette Gash (@JulietteGash) August 26, 2018
Some people were taking the showers in their stride.
While others seemed less impressed.
Preparations are being made back in Dublin for the Pope's return this afternoon, where he will say Mass to 500,000 people in Phoenix Park at 3.30pm.
Gardai, stewards and volunteers are already on the streets in preparation, while people are advised to prepare for wet conditions as rain sweeps across the country.
It’s pretty wet in the Phoenix Park, so if you are coming here later wear the right clothing and footwear. #popeinireland
— Will Goodbody (@willgoodbody) August 26, 2018
Phoenix Park right now. #popeinIreland pic.twitter.com/b4d1rzHKCZ
— Will Goodbody (@willgoodbody) August 26, 2018
