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21 Oct 2025

Short but special visit to the Marian Shrine at Knock concludes

Pope Francis has concluded his visit to Knock where tens of thousands braved the rain to listen to the Pontiff.

Running slightly behind time, about ten minutes, the Pope still took time to greet and wave to the many who spent half the night on the road to ensure they would be in Knock.

Pope Francis has begged for God's forgiveness for the "open wound" of clerical abuse in Ireland as he called for "firm and decisive" action to secure "truth and justice". He made the comments as he addressed 45,000 people at the Marian Shrine in Knock ahead of leading the Angelus prayer:

"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 mothers, abandoned, and left with painful memories," he said.

"This open wound challenges us to be firm and decisive in the pursuit of truth and justice.

"I beg the Lord's forgiveness for these sins and for the scandal and betrayal felt by so many others in God's family.

"I ask our Blessed Mother to intercede for the healing of the survivors and to confirm every member of our Christian family in the resolve never again to permit these situations to occur."

Here are some images from Knock. All photographs courtesy of Maxwells Photography.

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