but in the wake of abuse scandals
in the catholic church what kind
of welcome will he receive?
chris page reports.
39 years ago, ireland put
on a massive display of euphoria,
devotion and loyalty.
john paul ii was the first pope
to visit the country,
which at the time was often
described as the most
catholic in the world.
tomorrow, pope francis will arrive
on a transformed ireland.
the church's influence
is much diminished,
and its reputation badly damaged.
people who were abused in children's
homes run by religious orders
are preparing to protest.
they want the pope to
say sorry and a half
of the church and go further.
we're asking him to apologise,
and not only that, to fork up
and do what's right,
out of the money that they have.
it's not all about
money, i know that.
but that's the only form ofjustice
that people are going to get,
especially elderly people whose
lives have been ruined.
the revelations aren't over yet,
especially in northern ireland.