'He will return to Ireland' says Irish priest who is a friend of Pope Leo XIV

Newly-elected Pope Leo, Robert Prevost, second from left, alongside his fellow Augustinians Fr Jerry Horan, Fr Pat Moran, and Fr Michael Brennock at St Augustine’s Church in Cork in Easter 2007 to honour Peg Bolton and Marie Finn for their 50 years singing in the choir. Picture: Gerard Bonus

Ireland could be set for a papal visit in less than five years, an Irish priest who is a friend of newly elected Pope Leo XIV has said.

During his two six-year terms between 2001 and 2013 as prior general of the Augustinians, Robert Francis Prevost visited Ireland on a number of occasions — including a trip to Cork in 2007.