Pope Francis visits National Marian Shrine at Knock

Culled from RTE

Pope Francis is delivering the Angelus blessing from the main stage at the shrine, RTE reported.

• Pope Francis addressed "the beloved people of Northern Ireland".

He said: "Although my journey for the World Meeting of Families does not include a visit to the North, I assure you of my affection and my closeness in prayer".

Scroll down for video

• 10:44

The Pope has begged for God's forgiveness for the "open wound" of church abuse in Ireland as he called for "firm and decisive" action to secure "truth and justice".

Pope Francis has entered the Apparition Chapel at Knock where he is spending a short time in silent prayer.

The crowd outside has also fallen silent.

Scroll down for video

Rosary beads have been presented to the Pope.

He also met a number of elderly people at the front of the congregation inside the chapel.

Around 100 schoolchildren were at the airport to greet Pope Francis as he landed in heavy rain.

Four local schools were represented. The schoolchildren waved Vatican and Mayo flags.