POPE Francis could visit the north next year, a former British Ambassador to the Vatican has claimed.
The Pope will visit Ireland next month on the invitation of the World Meeting of Families.
There are no plans for him to travel north.
Francis Campbell from Newry, who helped to organise Pope Benedict's trip to the UK in 2010, said a visit to Northern Ireland could happen in 2019.
Mr Campbell said, with Pope Francis "I would never rule out the spontaneous".
He told BBC NI he was hopeful Francis might signal "a very strong desire or willingness" to visit Northern Ireland in the very near future.
"I think if Pope Francis wishes to come north of the border and wishes to do a visit to Northern Ireland, then one has to think in terms of a timescale of 12 or 18 months," Mr Campbell said.
Transport and security plans for the papal visit were unveiled yesterday.
People travelling to Phoenix Park for the Mass celebrated by the Pope will be able to enjoy free public transport in Dublin. There will be free bus, train and tram travel on Sunday August 26 for those with Mass tickets.
Translink also released details of special bus and coach services operating to Dublin for various Papal events.
Pope Francis will visit on August 25 and 26. On the Saturday, he will visit the Apostolic Nunciature on Navan Road and the Capuchin Day Centre for the homeless in Dublin, before evening Mass in Croke Park.
The next day, he will visit Knock Shrine before heading to Phoenix Park for Mass. More than 500,000 people are expected to attend.
Tim Gaston, director of public transport services at the National Transport Authority (NTA), said every bus, train and tram would be used for this event.
The World Meeting of Families will hold daily Mass in the RDS in Dublin and expects up to 37,000 visitors per day, while the Croke Park event will see around 80,500.
After the Mass, visitors have been told that, from their standing position to where they meet their coach or train could take up to four hours.
Translink said it was working closely with the NTA on a comprehensive transport plan to cater for large crowds.
This supports normal scheduled Goldline cross border coach and Enterprise train services.
"The message is simple - plan your journey now and book your travel tickets online well in advance to avoid disappointment. This also applies to anyone travelling to or from Dublin Airport," Translink said.
"A dedicated web page - www.translink.co.uk/popeinireland - has been set up where the public can buy tickets online for the special services. Goldline cross border coach services can also be booked online."
:: Further information and guidance can be found at www.gov.ie/popeinireland
