Pope Francis and 45,000 pilgrims fell silent in prayer at Knock Shrine as the rain persisted through the Papal Visit this morning.
The pontiff visited the Marian Shrine at Knock today to greet tens of thousands of followers on his second day of World Meeting of Families events in Ireland.
Pope Francis waved to the cheering rain-soaked crowds from his Popemobile before arriving at the Apparition Chapel to lead a silent prayer in front of the statue of Our Lady for all victims of abuse.
The pontiff said he had “presented to her in particular all the victims of abuse of whatever kind committed by members of the Church in Ireland.”
“None of us can fail to be moved by the stories of young people who suffered abuse, were robbed of their innocence and left scarred, distanced from their mothers, abandoned and left with painful memories.
“This open wound challenges us to be firm and decisive in the pursuit of truth and justice,” Pope Francis said.
The Pope also led the crowd in a recital of the Angelus. He then returned to Ireland West Airport Knock to travel back to Dublin for the Papal Mass in Phoenix Park.
Half a million people are expected to attend the open air mass in Dublin this afternoon – marking the largest event of the weekend.