Bishop of Assisi, Domenico Sorrentino, has said the town awaits the pope’s visit with “emotion and gratitude”.

Believers of all religions and people of goodwill have been invited to implore the divine to help humanity in overcoming the pandemic caused by Coronavirus.

Peace cannot and should not be taken for granted and is a precious value that requires cultivation and tending in every generation.

At the Faith and Life convention in Belfast, Dr Michel Camdessus, who was appointed by John Paul II to serve on the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, suggests five “paths of humanity” that could contribute towards a universal common good.

Ireland's squad of 91 athletes came home with a haul of 86 medals – 30 gold, 29 silver and 27 bronze.

The theme of the visit is “Make me a channel of your peace”, which reflects the urgent need in the region to pursue peaceful coexistence.