The finalised schedule for Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland was released Monday, along with confirmation of his public speaking events at Knock Shrine and Phoenix Park.

The Pope is visiting Ireland during the World Meeting of Families, which traditionally celebrates marriage, family, and faith. The event, held every three years in a different city, will this year have the theme “The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World”.

Although the World Meeting of Families is scheduled from 21 – 26 August, the Pope will be in Ireland only the last two days of the event. He will arrive on Saturday, 25 August and depart the following day, 26 August.

During his visit, Pope Francis will attend several private functions, such as a reception at the Presidential Residence and a meeting at Dublin Castle.

He will also attend the Festival of Families on 25 August and visit Knock Shrine and Phoenix Park on 26 August. All three events welcome members of the public, but space is limited. News came Monday that 500,000 tickets have been allocated for the Pope’s Sunday mass in Phoenix Park and the site capacity at Knock is 45,000. The Festival of Families, a concert-style event featuring the faith stories of families from around the world, is also ticketed.

For more information on the World Meeting of Families or Pope Francis’ itinerary in Ireland, visit https://www.worldmeeting2018.ie/en/.

 

Pope Francis’ Full Schedule:

Saturday, 25 August 2018

10:30 Arrival at Dublin International Airport and Official Welcome

10:45 Transfer to Áras an Uachtaráin

11:15 Arrival at the Presidential Residence and Welcome Ceremony outside the Residence

11:30 Courtesy visit to the President

12:00 Transfer to Dublin Castle

12:10 Arrival at Dublin Castle and Meeting with Authorities, Civil Society and Diplomatic Corps

15:30 Arrival at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral and Visit to the Cathedral

16:15 Transfer to the Day Centre of the Capuchin Fathers

16:30 Private visit to the day centre for homeless families of the Capuchin Fathers

19:30 Arrival at Croke Park Stadium

19:45 Festival of Families in Croke Park Stadium

 

Sunday, 26 August 2018

8:40 Departure for Knock via plane

9:20 Arrival in Knock and immediate transfer to the Shrine

9:45 Arrival at Knock Shrine, Visit to the Chapel and Angelus on the square in front of the shrine

10:45 Transfer to the airport in Knock

11:10 Arrival at the airport

11:15 Departure via aeroplane for Dublin

11:50 Arrival at Dublin International Airport and Lunch with the Papal Delegation

14:30 Arrival at Phoenix Park

15:00 Holy Mass in Phoenix Park and Meeting with the Bishops in the Convent of the Dominican Sisters

18:30 Arrival at Dublin International Airport and Farewell Ceremony

18:45 Departure via plane for Rome