Pope Leo XIV has sent "cordial good wishes" to those gathering at the Knock Shrine today for the renewal of Ireland's consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The special blessing from the new Pope follows a decision by the Irish Catholic Church to renew consecration to the Sacred Heart in this, the Jubilee Year of Hope.
The mass at the Basilica of Our Lady in Knock is one of a number of events taking place nationwide, until the Feast day of the Sacred Heart at the end of June.
Pope Leo used the occasion to send a message to those in Knock. In it, he prayed that "the solemn occasion" would provide "a grace-filled opportunity" for all participating to deepen their devotion to the "merciful heart of Christ".
The Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin will lead the consecration mass, which is expected to note the previous consecration of Ireland in 1873.
A pastoral letter was written that year by Irish Bishops, who used Palm Sunday in 1873 to announce their intention.
In the letter they explained their reasoning behind the consecration and noted "many weighty evils", pressing on the Church throughout the world, and many dangers near home.
They also said the spirit of "irreligion and infidelity was growing strong every day".
Archbishop Martin has said that the current age presents many challenges to the Catholic faith, to families and indeed to the deepest core of humanity.
He said the renewal of the consecration of Ireland to the Sacred Heart aimed to "secure refuge from all dangers - visible and invisible".
