Pope sends greeting to mark St Patrick’s Day

Pope Francis has sent a greeting to the people of Ireland to mark St Patrick's Day.

Papal Nuncio to Ireland Archbishop Charles Brown delivered the message to President Michael D Higgins this afternoon.

The message is one of the first that the newly-elected Pope has sent.

In the communication, Pope Francis said that he wished to send greetings to President Higgins and his fellow citizens on the happy occasion of Ireland's national day.

He said that at the beginning of his pontificate he "commended the nation to the powerful intercession of St Patrick".

Pope Francis said he wanted to assure the nation of his prayers for what he described as "the beloved people of Ireland" so that they may enjoy peace and prosperity.

Born in Argentina, Pope Francis is the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the first Jesuit.