Pope Francis hits the ground running

At least Pope Francis did not kiss the ground on arrival in Dublin nor was he wearing silly shoes.

Interesting watching the welcoming party at Dublin Airport. The papal nuncio seems to have been left on his own.

Among the clerics present was Cardinal Sean Brady, retired archbishop of Armagh.

Also there was Irish ambassador to the Holy See Emma Madigan. She will be replaced in September by Derek Hannon.

Church of Ireland Archbishop Michael Jackson was one of the welcoming party to greet Pope Francis at the airport.

"They take great care in flying the pope around",  comment by editor of The Irish Catholic on the Alitalia pilots who fly the pope. No doubt they take 'great care' with all their passengers.