Benedict XVI plans to visit Ireland between 10-17 June 2012 for the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin.
The Pope visited the United Kingdom in September, disappointing many
Irish Catholics for not extending his visit to the the Republic.
A senior Vatican Official has confirmed that a visit was likely to happen in the next two years.
"There is a strong likelihood that Pope Benedict will visit Ireland
in 2012 as part of the Eucharistic Congress, which is being held in
Dublin," the official said.
"This year has been a troubled time for the Church in Ireland and His
Holiness has expressed his closeness to the people and to the clergy -
what better way to show his closeness than by a visit to the faithful."
It has been 31 years since the last Papal visit to Ireland, when Pope John Paul II came in 1979.
SIC: Joe.ie/IE