POPE Francis has presented Archbishop of Armagh Dr Eamon Martin with his pallium, a white woollen strip worn around the neck which symbolises the bond and union between an archbishop and Pope.
Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Kieran O'Reilly also received his pallium in a ceremony which followed the concelebration of Mass in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
The wearing of the pallium dates back to the fourth century and predates the mitre and the crozier as episcopal symbols.
Pope Francis has decided that archbishops should also formally receive the pallium in their own archdiocese, a move he hopes will "emphasise the participation of the local Church".
Dr Martin's investiture with the pallium will take place at 7pm Vigil Mass in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, on Saturday July 4 and be conducted by the Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles Brown.