TENS of thousands of Catholics from across Ireland, Britain and Europe could flock to the north to see Pope Francis, posing a logistical challenge to authorities, it has been claimed.
On the Papal visit to Britain in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, huge crowds turned out for a glimpse of the Holy Father at events across England and Scotland over four days.
These included a parade in Edinburgh attended by around 125,000, before the Pontiff travelled to Glasgow for an outdoor ticketed Mass at the city’s Bellahouston Park to celebrate the Feast of St Ninian.
The ceremony saw around 65,000 worshippers arrive to hear Benedict speak.
A second outdoor Mass during the official state visit was held at London’s Hyde Park, and was attended by around 80,000 people.
A third ceremony was held in Birmingham’s Cofton Park, where a Mass attracted up to 55,000.
A senior source in the Catholic Church told the Irish News that the “phenomenal” popularity of Pope Francis could prove difficult to handle if similar huge crowds attend Papal events here.
“Francis has a special appeal to many people, including a lot of lapsed Catholics and even those not part of the faith,” the source said.
“It’s too early to know what exactly will occur should this visit take place, but I would expect to see people from Britain, and Europe joining the huge number from the island who will be keen to see and hear Francis.
“This could prove a serious challenge to the civic authorities in the north, where many will want to see the Pope arrive.”
