Philomena Lee, whose devotion to finding her adopted son inspired a recent film, has called for a more open adoption system here to allow people access their “genetic entitlement”.

It isn’t every day that you see battle-hardened health professionals overcome with emotion, yet there were tears aplenty yesterday at University College Cork when Philomena Lee told the story of her 50-year search for her son.

Irish law should be changed to allow adopted children direct and unrestricted access to their birth parents, according to Philomena Lee, the Irish woman whose life-long battle to find her son has galvanised a worldwide movement for adoption rights.

Pope Francis may watch the Oscar-tipped film Philomena, after it was well received by his private secretary at a screening in the Vatican.

Philomena Lee, the inspiration behind the Oscar tipped film Philomena, has had an audience with Pope Francis.