An Garda Síochána received almost €1.5m from promoters and organisers to police some of the largest events held in the country last year — but received no external payment towards the cost of providing security for the Pope’s visit.

It is said that more than 80 thousand people will attend the event.

USA: Pope Francis is a doll. No, really. Organisers of the Pontiff’s September visit to Philadelphia this week launched an online store featuring Papal plush dolls and bobble heads.