A papal visit to Ireland could take place as soon as 2012, according to Martin McGuinness, Northern Ireland's deputy first minister.
He said this week that Pope Benedict may visit Ireland soon, adding that he had "some grounds for believing that could happen as soon as 2012".
If Pope Benedict did visit Ireland in 2012, it is likely the trip would coincide with the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, held in Dublin that year.
Mr McGuinness raised the issue in response to questions about why he and First Minister Peter Robinson did not meet the Pope last week.
