Pope's visit an opportunity to end abuse cover-ups, says O'Neill

The Pope's visit to Ireland is an opportunity to end the cover-up of abuse, Sinn Fein's vice-president said.

Michelle O'Neill will not be able to attend any of this weekend's events after she broke her leg in an accident.

She recognised the visit's significance for all Catholics.

"We must specifically acknowledge the damage done by the Catholic Church to the lives of many women and children in the mother and baby homes, the Magdalene laundries and a succession of abuse scandals and cover-ups.

"The visit of Pope Francis is an opportunity to address these issues, to meet with victims and survivors, to fully acknowledge their suffering and the damage done, to end the cover-ups and to commit to full redress, north and south.''

Newry and Armagh Assembly member Conor Murphy will deputise for the party's vice-president at this weekend's events.

Mrs O'Neill added: "The visit of Pope Francis can and should contribute to the new and positive relationship which has been developing between the Irish state and the Catholic Church."

The Pope has expressed hope his visit to Ireland will help grow unity and reconciliation among Christians on the island.

In a video message released ahead of his weekend arrival, Pope Francis said he was excited about his two-day trip to Dublin and the Knock holy shrine in Co Mayo.

The video was released hours after it was confirmed that the Pope will meet victims of clerical sex abuse during his Irish visit.

The Pope is also attending the Catholic Church's World Meeting of Families during a packed itinerary of engagements.

"Although the specific reason for my visit to Ireland is the World Meeting of Families, I would like to include all the members of the Irish family,'' said the Pope.

"In a particular way, I pray that it may further the growth of unity and reconciliation among all Christ's followers, as a sign of that lasting peace which is God's dream for our whole human family."