McAleese meets Pope Benedict

President Mary McAleese has met the new Pope briefly along with other heads of state in Rome.

Mrs McAleese was introduced to Benedict XVI inside the Vatican following this morning's inauguration ceremony.

During their brief meeting, the new Pontiff told the President that he would pray for the people of Ireland and said he hoped they would pray for him.

He also told Mrs McAleese that he had been to St. Patrick's College in Maynooth, which he described as a 'wonderful university'.