Dublin, Ireland, Nov 29, 2007 / 10:37 am
The Belfast Telegraph reports that Pope Benedict XVI has expressed hopes of visiting Ireland in what would be the first papal visit to the Emerald Isle in almost thirty years.
The Pope reportedly made his wishes known to Cardinal Sean Brady at a private audience. Cardinal Brady, one of the 23 new cardinals created last Saturday, repeated the invitation he made last year on behalf of the Irish hierarchy.
Speaking immediately after his audience, Cardinal Brady said: "I took the opportunity of our brief meeting to renew the invitation on behalf of the Irish Episcopal Conference."
Cardinal Brady revealed that the Holy Father said in response: "I hope so."