In supporting the family, the State cares for its citizens, but also strengthens and nurtures the foundations of society itself – Archbishop Eamon Martin.

Allianz Insurance is the headline sponsor for the World Meeting of Families, but other companies and corporations in Ireland and the US have made donations towards the €21m cost of the Pope's visit to Ireland.

Previous straw celebrities at the festival have included President Michael D Higgins, US president Donald Trump, singer Imelda May, and characters from Game of Thrones and Harry Potter.

Restaurant put a post on Facebook welcoming Pope Francis and thanking him "for choosing the BK restaurant as your sacristy".

Scheduled visit to Rome's Gemelli hospital postponed at last minute due to an "unexpected indispostion".

Over 250 bishops will provide catechetical sessions for WYD pilgrims.