Marguerite O’Leary and her teenage daughter Ellen stood for more than five hours on Wednesday to be among the first members of the public to see the late pontiff’s remains inside St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, 77, who lived in Drimnagh, Dublin, made the announcement on Easter Monday.

Pope Francie charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor

Referendums are being held next month on plans to change the Constitution.

Michael D Higgins also said ‘our hearts are made heavy’ by the loss of so many young lives in the Middle East conflict.

Elder Patrick Kearon is now a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

In a shared statement church leaders said the visit is taking place at a time of ‘great concern for the state of our fragile peace’.