Pope to Visit 'most Loyal' Irish Flock

The Pope is to return to Ireland a quarter of a century after his last visit inspired a bout of unprecedented religious fervour and brought millions of Catholics out on to the streets to greet him.

The Vatican confirmed last night that the ageing pontiff had agreed in principle to accept an invitation from the Irish bishops, who hope his proposed return next spring will revive the church's flagging fortunes.

The Pope will almost certainly visit Armagh, the northern city that is the ecclesiastical capital of the island and the reputed burial place of St Patrick.

He did not cross the border into Northern Ireland 25 years ago because of security fears, and it is believed that this time he is keen to visit the province and help cement the peace process.

However, the prospect of him stepping foot on Ulster soil has already sparked fears of sectarian tensions.

Although the Anglican church of Ireland and mainstream Presbyterians have made it clear they would welcome the visit, Ian Paisley's Free Presbyterian church and other born-again Christians regard the Pope as the anti-Christ. Willie McCrea, a DUP assembly member and Free Presbyterian minister, has already said he would oppose the visit.

When the Pope last kissed the tarmac at Dublin airport in 1979, nearly 90% of Irish Catholics were weekly mass-goers. That figure is now less than 30% in the capital, after a decade of disasters for the church, in which the hierarchy has been blamed for covering up clerical child abuse, corruption scandals and widespread abuse of its privileged position.

Yesterday the Catholic primate of all Ireland, Seán Brady, expressed his delight at the frail 84-year-old's intention to make one last visit to his Irish flock, which he once deemed "the most loyal of all".

Dr Brady said the build-up to the proposed papal visit would include a large celebration in Clonmacnois in County Offaly in September. There has been speculation that the southern leg of the proposed visit would focus on Cork.

The archbishop said: "The celebration will evoke many wonderful memories and inspire many to do their utmost to ensure another memorable visit."