Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan met with Pope Leo XIV last week at an audience in St. Peter's Square in Rome.
Bishop Cullinan was invited to Rome with a delegation of Vocations Directors from across Ireland for a workshop on the promotion of vocations to the priesthood presented by the Dicastery for Clergy.
Commenting on his meeting with the Holy Father, Bishop Cullinan said in a statement to the Waterford News & Star that the occasion was a special moment for him, and that Pope Leo has an "enormous task" ahead of him.
"It was a very personal moment for me," Bishop Cullinan said.
"Pope Leo's calm, loving and prayerful manner puts one at ease. I promised to pray for him as he takes up the enormous task of guiding and inspiring not only Catholics but all people of goodwill.
"I have no doubt that Pope Leo, among his many intentions, is praying for work in vocations promotion," Bishop Cullinan added.
Pope Leo XIV had in fact previously visited Waterford while Prior General of The Order of the Augustinians.
At the time, during a visit to Ireland, Pope Leo XIV visited St Augustine's College in Abbeyside, Dungarvan, creating what can now be considered a historic moment for County Waterford.