The Taoiseach has said he wants to 'open a new chapter' between the Irish State and the Catholic Church.

Leo Varadkar has pledged to push Pope Francis for ‘full disclosure’ on clerical abuse when he meets him in Dublin tomorrow.

Noting that Ireland recently introduced mandatory reporting of sexual abuse, Mr Varadkar said the Church should follow suit across the world.

He said he is favour of greater separation of Church and State – but insisted there is a “valuable role to play for religious bodies of all sorts when it comes to charitable provision, when it comes to welfare.”

Human rights

He said political leaders have a responsibility to raise difficult issues with Vatican representatives when given the opportunity.

“I don't want to skirt over lots of topics just to say that I raised them,” he said.

“The first is to welcome him to Ireland on behalf of the Irish people, on behalf of the faithful in particular.

“Secondly is to talk about my wish that we can open a new chapter in relations between Ireland, the Irish State and the Catholic Church.

“One that is more equal, that is more respectful and one that is more modern."

“Also of course, I will want to talk about human rights issues and issues relating to child sex abuse and the mistreatment of children and women by the Church and its institutions – often with the collusion of the State, we should bear in mind – in the past.”

World Meeting of Families

The third and final day of the World Meeting of Families gets underway today ahead of the Pope’s arrival tomorrow.

The gathering will open with a discussion on safeguarding children – however it has been criticised by survivors of clerical abuse, who are questioning why the gathering's only spending one hour on the topic.

Maeve Lewis, from survivors' group One in Four, said the Church needs to put in place mandatory reporting of clerical sex abuse.

Papal visit 

Pope Francis has a packed schedule for his two-day visit to Ireland – including a visit to Knock Shrine, Dublin City Centre, the Pro Cathedral and Phoenix Park.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to travel from across the country to catch a glimpse of the Pontiff when he visits Dublin and Knock.

Extensive road closures and diversions will be in place across Dublin on Saturday and Sunday.

A temporary morgue has been set up in the Phoenix Park this Sunday – with the majority of those attending are expected to be over 50.

The Order of Malta Ambulance Corps has said the park will be 'one of the safest places in the world' when thousands descend to hear the Pope speak.

Commander Aoife Clarke from the Order of Malta said first aid teams have been preparing for all eventualities