Pope to meet Naval Service members

Pope Francis is to meet members of the Naval Service when he visits in August so he can acknowledge their role in saving thousands of migrants from drowning in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Irish Examiner understands that senior Vatican officials made the request to President Michael D Higgins when they were on an advance visit here to sort out the Pope’s itinerary.

As Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, Mr Higgins then asked that the Naval Service to provide a special guard of honour for Pope Francis.