With the official announcement today that Pope Francis will visit Ireland in August, Rev. Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church Ireland said that "many Roman Catholic people both south and north of the border will be very excited and encouraged by the news." He also said that he had no doubt that many others, "of differing theological or even political views, will want to join with our Roman Catholic neighbours in welcoming today’s news."

“The announcement today that Pope Francis will visit Ireland as part of the Roman Catholic Church’s World Meeting of Families in August has been long anticipated," Mr. Gribben said.

“I am sure that many, many Roman Catholic people both south and north of the border will be very excited and encouraged by the news that the leader of their Church will be coming to Dublin for this significant event. I’ve no doubt that many others, of differing theological or even political views, will want to join with our Roman Catholic neighbours in welcoming today’s news.

“The attendance of Pope Francis at the World Meeting of Families will greatly enhance the affirmation of the place of the family at the heart of society, and that is to be welcomed.”