POPE Benedict XVI is set to make a visit to the North next spring provided the peace process remains in place, it emerged yesterday.Early April has a window in the Pope's travel schedule when he could make a stop over in Northern Ireland en route to the US, where he is due to address the United Nations.
High-placed church and diplomatic sources have confirmed that Pope Benedict would "like to complete" the 1979 pastoral visit to Ireland of the late John Paul II.
For security reasons the previous Pope was prevented from travelling north of the border.
Rising expectations of a spring Papal visit -- probably to Armagh, the traditional ecclesiastical capital of All Ireland -- have been boosted by comments made by the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin.
Dr Martin is a former Vatican diplomat who has maintained close contacts with senior officials in Rome.
In a lecture on Thursday evening in New York, Dr Martin said that he saw the appointment of the Archbishop of Armagh Sean Brady as "a sign of the interest of Pope Benedict to come to Northern Ireland, if not in the immediate future".
Archbishop Brady said that the progress of the peace process is close to the Pope's heart.
Last month Pope Benedict told Ireland's new ambassador to the Holy See, Noel Fahey, that he hoped the process would inspire others across the world to recognise the virtues of forgiveness, reconciliation, and mutual respect.
Last night Vatican sources suggested that a successful visit to the North would enable Pope Benedict to cite it as a model for conflict situations around the world, especially in the Middle East.
A strictly pastoral visit would concentrate on Armagh, the See of St Patrick, rather than Belfast, the seat of the Stormont Government, which would have political over-tones.
The Pope could also tie in a visit to the Republic as part of the tour.
In March President McAleese had a private audience with Pope Benedict and extended an invitation to come to Ireland.
"We would do everything possible to make it a very successful one," she told the Pontiff.
In response, the Pope said that he would see if it was possible.
Government officials are on standby to prepare for an historic visit by the Queen, probably next year.
It is understood that Queen Elizabeth II expressed an interest in coming over to Ireland whilst in discussions with our new Ambassador to London just last week.
Ambassador David Cooney presented his credentials to the Queen in Buckingham Palace 10 days ago.
The topic was informally discussed during the meeting and reported back by the ambassador.
Officials in Aras an Uachtarain and Government Buildings are believed to be ready to begin formal preparations once there is confirmation of the visit, perhaps later this year.
The visit is expected to happen sometime next year.
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