Source: BBC News
By Callum May
When Pope Francis visits the Irish Republic, in August, the first papal visit for almost 40 years he will find a country wrestling with its relationship with Catholicism.
Thirty-nine years ago Michael McLoughlin, an accountant from County Tipperary, was beyond excited.
Pope John Paul II was visiting Ireland, and Michael’s church choir had been chosen to sing at a Mass for young people in Galway.
“Whatever your favourite rock gig that you ever wanted to be at in your whole life, this was it,” said Michael. “And you had a backstage pass.”
Categories: Catholicism, Europe, Ireland, Pope Francis, The Muslim Times