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24/09/2009
NI Papal Visit 'Speculation'
An influential Catholic journalist has cast doubts over a possible papal visit to Northern Ireland next year.
Yesterday, reports suggested Pope Benedict XVI was preparing to make his first official UK trip.
The BBC said there was "strong indications" Northern Ireland would be included in the visit.
However, the Irish Catholic Church has branded the news "pure speculation".
Meanwhile, the Irish Catholic newspaper's Deputy Editor said a Northern Ireland papal visit would be organised by Dublin, rather than London church authorities.
Michael Kelly said the church views Ireland on an 32-county, island basis, and dismissed a possible Northern Ireland stop-off, as part of a wider UK visit, as "unlikely".
"The papal nuncio in Dublin takes responsibility for Northern Ireland rather than the papal nuncio in London," he told the BBC.
"The majority of Catholics in Northern Ireland would have nationalist sensibilities.
"The Vatican are certainly not going to do anything which would the offend those sensibilities, for example tagging on a visit to Northern Ireland which would exclude the Republic would seem to me to be extremely insensitive."
The last UK papal visit was in 1982, with the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to Ireland being marked this year.
(PR/BMcC)
Yesterday, reports suggested Pope Benedict XVI was preparing to make his first official UK trip.
The BBC said there was "strong indications" Northern Ireland would be included in the visit.
However, the Irish Catholic Church has branded the news "pure speculation".
Meanwhile, the Irish Catholic newspaper's Deputy Editor said a Northern Ireland papal visit would be organised by Dublin, rather than London church authorities.
Michael Kelly said the church views Ireland on an 32-county, island basis, and dismissed a possible Northern Ireland stop-off, as part of a wider UK visit, as "unlikely".
"The papal nuncio in Dublin takes responsibility for Northern Ireland rather than the papal nuncio in London," he told the BBC.
"The majority of Catholics in Northern Ireland would have nationalist sensibilities.
"The Vatican are certainly not going to do anything which would the offend those sensibilities, for example tagging on a visit to Northern Ireland which would exclude the Republic would seem to me to be extremely insensitive."
The last UK papal visit was in 1982, with the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to Ireland being marked this year.
(PR/BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
