Pope visit to NI 'in near future'

If it happens it will mark the first time the pontiff has come to the north and only the second time to the Republic of Ireland.

Michael Kelly of the Irish Catholic said a visit could take place in the near future.

"I do expect it to be in the near future, whether it's next year or not that might be too soon," Mr Kelly told UTV.

"But I certainly do think over the next couple of years you will see a visit concentrating primarily on Northern Ireland but also taking in stops in the Republic."

The late Pope John Paul II visited Ireland in 1979 - however plans to cross the border had to be scrapped amid an upsurge in violence.

Pope Benedict visited Britain in 2010 but again there was no stop in Northern Ireland.

Mr Kelly believes the likelihood of a visit now is greater in the context of the Queen's historic trip to the Republic last year and to NI this year.

It would also follow the Eucharistic Congress, which took place in Dublin last month.

He continued: "It is very plausible that the Pope will come and this is something the Vatican has wanted frankly since Pope Benedict was elected.

"They will see it as part of a process linked to the Pope's visit to Britain and the Queen's visit to the Republic last year and to NI this year.

"It is definitely on the cards and they would be keen it happens sooner rather than later, obviously given the Pope is going to be 86 in the early part of next year so his health is declining, so it's something that would be done sooner rather than later."

Mr Kelly also said the victims of clerical abuse would have to be recognised as a part of any future visit to Ireland.

He continued: "I think that's something that he would have to do in a visit to Ireland. That would be one element of a visit.

"I think another important element would have to be the sense of transformation that has been going on in the north in recent years, of putting aside the historical baggage.

"It could be a healing and transformative moment if handled properly."