Pope’s visit

Attitudes to and the influence of the Catholic Church in Ireland have changed over the decades, partly as a consequence of transgressions to which the Vatican has turned a blind eye, and as a result of social trends that priests have been powerless to stop.

None of that, we can be sure, will dent the enthusiasm of the faithful — young and not-so-young — as they travel to Dublin and Knock to see, and pray with, Pope Francis during his visit next month. There will be a Mass at Phoenix Park and entertainment at Croke Park provided by some of Ireland’s most popular singers and dancers.