Pope Benedict is expected to make a live televised address to a major international Catholic festival, which takes place in Dublin this June, according to Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin.
The news emerged after the Pontiff was presented with a bowl of shamrock in the Vatican this morning, by the organising committee of the International Eucharistic Congress.
The congress, which is to start on 10 June, is expected to attract 25,000 people a day to the RDS in Dublin.
As well as accepting the shamrock, the Pope also rang a special bell from the Dominican Convent in Portstewart, Co Derry.
The bell has been brought to parishes throughout Ireland over the past year with the aim of calling people out of everyday life and to the spiritual sphere.
Speaking after the event, Archbishop Martin said the 84-year-old Pontiff had appeared extremely sharp and very interested in the build-up to the congress.
The Congress was last held in Ireland in 1932, an event billed as coinciding with the 1,500th anniversary of the arrival of St Patrick in Ireland.
The 50th IEC is expected to attract 12,000 international pilgrims representing 99 different countries.
