Pope Benedict's messages during his historic visit will have a long significance for societies in Britain and Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady has said.The Primate of All-Ireland, who has flown to Edinburgh ahead of the pontiff's arrival, said he is delighted to be able to join in the celebrations.
The Cardinal said Pope Benedict is expected to reflect on the value of Catholic education and the relationship between faith, civil society and religious denominations
"I am very much looking forward to this Papal visit to Britain," the Cardinal said.
"I am delighted to be able to accept invitations, from various Church and State bodies, to attend engagements and liturgical events at which His Holiness will be present.
"Over the coming days, the Holy Father will address young people and the elderly and we can also expect reflections on the value of Catholic education and on the relationship between faith and civil society, and amongst religious denominations.
"The relevance of his messages this week will no doubt have a significant and long-term resonance with society both in our neighbouring island as well as with us here in Ireland."
The Pope's visit ends on Sunday with the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman in Birmingham.
He founded the Catholic University in Dublin in the early 1850s. It was formally established in 1854 with several faculties on St Stephen's Green.
"The theme of this papal visit is 'Heart speaks onto heart', the phrase Cardinal Newman chose as the motto for his coat of arms," the Cardinal said.