The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, met Pope Benedict XVI in a private audience at the Vatican today.
Ahead of the meeting, Mr Ahern said he was honoured to be one of the first European heads of government to visit the Pope since his installation in April.
It was expected the two men would discuss Northern Ireland, developments in the EU and other international issues.
After the meeting the Taoiseach held discussions with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano.
Mr Ahern said he believed his visit was timely particularly in light of the Government decision approving the initiation of a structured dialogue with the Churches and faith communities on the lines proposed in the draft EU Constitution Treaty.
The Taoiseach also visited the tomb of Pope John Paul II.
