Leo Varadkar, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland, encouraged Pope Francis to “use your office and influence” to ensure that justice is done for sex abuse victims in Ireland and around the world.

The Irish people "have struggled and come through because they have faith," says Sister Liz Murphy, R.S.M., on the eve of a visit from Pope Francis.

Pope Francis visits to meet the Irish people who have been so grievously wounded by the sexual abuse of minors and other related scandals over decades.

A prominent Irish survivor of priestly sexual abuse told a Vatican-sponsored conference Friday that the Holy See must put in place "robust structures" and strong sanctions to hold accountable bishops and Vatican officials who fail protect children from predator priests.

Pope Francis prepares to visit Ireland, a country rocked by decades of revelations about sexual abuse of children in its churches, the physical torture of youngsters in its schools and the humiliation of women in its workhouses.

Pope Francis will be spending a few precious hours at the Basilica of Knock while he is in Ireland this weekend.