As scheduled, shortly before 8 p.m. local Rome time, Pope Francis departed for the Eternal City, where his plane will land around 11 p.m.
The pope spent less than 48 hours in Ireland for an historic visit in which he reiterated his petition for forgiveness to victims of abuses of power, conscience and sex committed by Irish clergy. The Holy Father also met with eight victims.
Pope Francis concluded the 9th World Meeting of Families by presiding over the Saturday vigil and Mass on Sunday afternoon.
