He might have been over 1,000 miles away in Rome, but the words of Pope Benedict prompted a standing ovation after they echoed around a packed Croke Park yesterday.

The eight days of the 50th Eucharistic Congress opened in Dublin yesterday.

Pope Benedict XVI was scandalised and dismayed by the abuse perpetrated by some members of the clergy and of religious congregations, his new envoy to Ireland said today.

The Pope will be treated with respect if he comes to Ireland, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said as he insisted the closure of the Vatican embassy was not about religion.

Pope Benedict has met with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and members of the organising committee of the 50th Eucharistic Congress, which will be held in Ireland in 2012.