Plans for an open air mass in the Phoenix Park to be celebrated by Pope John Paul II.
Bishop John Carroll outlines the plans taking place for the mass the Pope will celebrate in Dublin. It is expected one million people will be in the Phoenix Park to see Pope John Paul II as part of his three-day visit to Ireland. The mass is due to take place on the first day of his visit on 29 September.
An architect has been asked by the organising committee to design a plan for space in the park with an altar and accommodation for a million people. Bishop John Carroll says that the plan should allow for space for these people to sit down during the very long ceremony. Private caterers will be on site to feed the visitors.
Pope John Paul II is due to arrive at Dublin airport at 9.00 am ahead of the mass at 2.30 pm. The proposed itinerary for the Pope's visit has been sent to Rome where it is being finalised. Pope John Paul II is due to visit Galway and Knock on Sunday 30 September. There is still uncertainty about if and when the Pope might travel to the North of Ireland.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 10 August 1979. The reporter is Kevin O'Kelly.
