Pope Benedict XVI “vigorously” rang a bell presented to him in the Vatican today by an Irish delegation promoting the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress.
Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin and International Eucharistic Congress secretary general Fr Kevin Doran were among the delegation that travelled to meet the pontiff.
The delegation this morning presented the pope with a bell, the ringing of which is seen as a symbolic call to Catholics to gather for the congress, as well as a bowl of shamrock and a commemorative medal.
"The pope blessed the bell, rang it vigorously, and paused to admire the icons as Archbishop Martin explained their significance," Fr Doran said after the meeting in St Peter's Square.
The pope made no indication if he intends to visit Ireland for the congress.
The congress, the 50th to be held, will take place from June 10-17th and will mark the 80th anniversary of the 1932 Eucharistic Congress which represented a high point of Catholicism in Ireland.
The theme for the congress, chosen by the Vatican, will be "The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another".
Thousands of people are expected to travel to Ireland for the congress, with more than 80,000 people expected to attend the final mass at Croke Park on June 17th.