Pope expected to visit Ireland next year

Pope Benedict XVI could be set to visit Ireland next year to coincide with the International Eucharistic Congress being held in Dublin, according to reports.

The Pontiff is expected to say an open-air mass in Croke Park to mark the end of the week-long Congress, which is taking place in June of next year.

Church leaders also hope he may visit the North during the trip, according to The Belfast Telegraph.

The Congress is being launched in Dublin today.