Cardinal Seán Brady has been hospitalised in Co Armagh, where he is said to be in a stable condition.
The Catholic Primate of All-Ireland is said to have become ill while officiating at a confirmation ceremony in the parish church of Kildress, Co Tyrone.
He was admitted to Craigavon Area Hospital for observation and is said to be in a comfortable condition.
The 70-year-old admitted holding secret interviews with two young victims of one of the church's most heinous sex abusers, the late Brendan Smyth, in the 1970s.
As a result, Cardinal Brady has faced calls for his resignation. He said he would address the issue on Pentecost Sunday, May 23rd.