Preparations have been continuing in Rome for the inauguration mass of Pope Benedict XVI.
Officials say they are expecting up to 500,000 people for the ceremony on Sunday morning.
Ireland will be represented by President Mary McAleese and the Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin.
The new Pope has said he hopes to continue the open relationship with the media that marked the papacy of his predecessor.
An audience of journalists and pilgrims broke into applause during his address at the Vatican today, and some chanted his name.
