Professional and personal pilgrimage for the Taoiseach

Enda Kenny’s meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican had the hallmarks of a formal state visit, but it felt like an intimate family gathering where strained relations were finally addressed, writes Juno McEnroe

It was a personal pilgrimage as well as a professional one for the Taoiseach. Just before 10am, the Irish delegation drove across St Peter’s Square and into the a courtyard behind the main papal buildings and St Peter’s Basilica.

Mr Kenny, his wife Fionnuala, and others were met by suited lay attendants. Colourfully dressed Swiss Guards lined up and marched alongside the entourage.