Joyous finale as Pope’s words receive standing ovation

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.

It was a joyous end to a memorable week for Catholics from all over the world, gathered in Dublin for the final Mass of the 50th Eucharistic Congress.

Tens of thousands of delegates braved atrocious weather throughout the week, but even that could not dampen the extraordinary celebratory spirit surrounding the congress.