During a state visit to the Vatican President Patrick Hillery has an audience with Pope John Paul II.
Saint Peter's Square and the Basilica were closed off to the public for the event.
The Swiss Guard provided a guard of honour and the Vatican band played 'Amhrán na bhFiann' on the arrival of President Hillery and his party. The President was welcomed by the head of the pontifical household.
President Hillery met the Pope at the entrance to the Vatican library before a private meeting. After the meeting, the presidential party including Mrs Hillery, Minister of State Sean Calleary, the President of Clonliffe College and the Ambassador to the Holy See were presented to the Pope.
President Hillery wore the PM Collar, the papal decoration presented to him the previous day by Archbishop Edward Cassidy.
On welcoming the President, Pope John Paul II extended greetings to the Irish people who he said held a special place in his affections.
He praised Ireland's contribution to the evangelisation of Europe and its role in the world today.
He also spoke about the climate of violence in the north and said that different communities had the right to their own cultural traditions and religious beliefs. He called for all parties to arrive at a political consensus that would bring an end to the bloodshed.
On the subject of peace, President Hillery said that Ireland had made its commitment clear through its membership of the United Nations. He called for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a cut in conventional arsenals.
The Pope presented President Hillery with a traditional Roman mosaic of Our Lady 'Salus Populi Romani'. President Hillery gave the Pope a gold replica of the Angel Medallion.
President Hillery also held brief talks with the Secretary of State Cardinal Casaroli before being taken on a private tour of Saint Peter's.
President Hillery told journalists that he had invited the Pope to return to Ireland and the Pope had said that he would like to return when his present heavy programme of state visits was completed.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 April 1989. The reporter is Kieron Wood.
