Updated 10:45
Pope Francis has prayed for forgiveness for the physical and sexual abuse of children carried out by members of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Describing clerical abuse as an “open wound” the Pontiff called for "firm and decisive" action to secure "truth and justice" for survivors.
The Pope was speaking at a ceremony in Knock Shrine where he is due to celebrate the Angelus before travelling back to Dublin for a mass at the Phoenix Park.
In a number of unscripted remarks, he said he was moved by the stories of young people and children who were robbed of their innocence and left scarred by the actions the church.
"This open wound challenges us to be firm and decisive in the pursuit of truth and justice," he said.
"I beg the lords forgiveness for these sins and for the scandal and betrayal felt by so many in God’s family.”
The Pope makes his way through the crowds at Knock Shrine pic.twitter.com/XkwjB8OkPW
— Paul Quinn (@PaulQuinnNews) August 26, 2018
The Pontiff touched down in County Mayo on the second day of his Irish visit this morning.
Half a million people are due to attend mass at Dublin’s Phoenix Park later today - but the issue of clerical sex abuse is set to dominate the agenda once again.
Last night, he spent more than an hour and a half meeting eight survivors of clerical, religious and institutional abuse.
He told them that those involved in corruption and cover up in the church are ‘filth.’
Crowds arriving for the mass in Phoenix Park already #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/O8VIQmMQtU
— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) August 26, 2018
The Pope apologised for what happened at Mother and Baby homes around the country – and indicated that he would say more on the issue today.
In his prayer at Knock he said: “May Our Lady also look with mercy on all the suffering members of her son’s family,” he said.
“In my prayer before the statue, I presented to her in particular all the victims of abuse of whatever kind committed by members of the church in Ireland.
“None 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.
“I beg the Lords forgiveness for these sins and for the scandal and betrayal felt by so many others in Gods family.”
Shepard One has landed.@Pontifex arrives in #knock #PopeInIreand #PapainEirinn pic.twitter.com/HzsqFw7JpD
— Paul Quinn (@PaulQuinnNews) August 26, 2018
Crowds had been gathering at Knock Shrine since early this morning, with heavy rains failing to dampen spirits.
Met Éireann had forecast a very wet and windy start to the day - with the heaviest of the rain expected to clear eastwards early this morning.
These people said it was great to be at such a special event - regardless of the weather:
Pilgrims at Knock Holy Shrine in County Mayo where Pope Francis is due to arrive later this morning, 26-08-2018. Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images
The mass at Phoenix Park this afternoon will bring the Pontiff's two-day trip to an end in Dublin.
Meanwhile, a major demonstration in support of victims of clerical abuse is being held to coincide with the Phoenix Park event.
Organisers of the Stand4Truth event expect thousands to take part – including performers like Villagers, Hozier, Mary Black and Liam Ó Maonlaí.
The event will also feature spoken word performances by theatre-maker Grace Dyas, poet Sarah Clancy and activist Colm O’Gorman.
It gets get underway at 2:30pm at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin.
The crowd will walk silently from the Garden to the last remaining Magdalene Laundry at Sean McDermott Street – where marchers will be given the opportunity to leave messages of support for survivors.
Pope Francis arrives at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin. Image: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews
Extra public transport services have been put in place on in Dublin and Knock to deal with the demand for the Papal events – with over three quarter of a million journeys expected to be made.
Anyone attending the Phoenix Park is being advised to leave the car at home and take public transport.
