Ireland: Pope Francis to visit Dublin and Knock August 25-26

Event

Pope Francis will travel to Dublin and Knock (County Mayo) from Saturday, August 25, to Sunday, August 26, during the World Meeting of Families. A papal mass is scheduled for 15:00 (local time) on August 26 in Phoenix Park, which will be closed from Friday, August 24, through Monday, August 27. Over 500,000 people are expected to attend the mass in Phoenix Park, while approximately 45,000 people are expected to join Pope Francis in Knock.

Heightened security measures and associated transportation disruptions are to be anticipated ahead of, and during the visit. Additional security forces will be deployed at Dublin Airport (DUB) and Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC). The N17 between Charlestown and Claremorris will be closed from 00:00 to 15:00 on August 25. Additionally, police will deploy a "controlled access zone" inside the M50 in Dublin from 06:00 to 23:00 on August 25, and rolling restrictions will be in place near Phoenix Park, the Pro-Cathedral, and the Capuchin Day Center on August 25.

A victim support group has planned a protest in solidarity with victims of abuse at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin from 15:00 on Sunday. It is estimated that 600,000 people will attend related events over the weekend. A full itinerary of Pope Francis' schedule is available on the World Meeting of Families website.

Context

Pope Francis is visiting Ireland for the World Meeting of Families, held by the Catholic Church every three years. The visit is to be the first papal visit to Ireland since 1979. In the 2016 census, 78 percent of Ireland's population identified as Catholic.

Advice

Individuals in Ireland, particularly in Dublin and Knock, are advised to remain vigilant, allow additional time to travel, and follow all instructions issued by the local authorities.