CALLS for Pope Francis to cross the border during his visit to Ireland received renewed political support yesterday.
The Pope will be in Dublin for the World Meeting of Families on August 25 and 26, but there are no plans for him to travel to Northern Ireland.
There had previously been speculation that his schedule would include a trip north, given that a planned visit by Pope John Paul II in 1979 was called off amid security concerns.
Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian said yesterday he still hoped for a northern visit.
"I would say I have always had a hope that he would definitely visit the north when he comes to Ireland, and I'm beginning to be worried when I hear he's only coming on a Saturday and a Sunday that that will not be possible," he told RTÉ.
"He is a man of extraordinary energy who gets around and yet as an 82-year-old, in two days there will only be so much that he can do.
"I still hold out a hope and yet in a two-day visit it probably will not be easy."
Stormont politicians and other Christian leaders yesterday gave their broad support for a papal visit to Northern Ireland.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "It would be a profound and positive act if Pope Francis was able to complete the visit with a journey to the north, providing us all with an opportunity to reflect on how far we've come since the last papal visit and how far we still have to travel together."
UUP leader Robin Swann said his party "has no issue with Pope Francis visiting Northern Ireland".
"He's the leader of one of the largest faiths in the country and a visit would mean a great deal to so many people," he said.
"We want to build a pluralist society made up of all faiths and none. We are a political party, not a religious organisation."
The DUP said the papal visit is "a significant event for many people both within the Republic and Northern Ireland".
"Any potential visit to Northern Ireland would be a matter for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London," it added.
"The party leader previously indicated she would respect his position as head of state were he to visit in that capacity."
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong also said it "would be good to see him including Northern Ireland in the trip" if there is time in his schedule.
Rev Trevor Gribben, General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church Ireland, said: "I am sure that many of our fellow Roman Catholic citizens in Northern Ireland, along with people of differing theological or even political views, will be disappointed at the news that Pope Francis's visit to Ireland will not see him come north of the border.
"If he were to come to Northern Ireland at some stage in the future, I would certainly welcome that as a significant step in assisting peace and reconciliation."
A Church of Ireland spokesman said its bishops also welcomed a visit by the Pope to the island of Ireland.
