The Papal Nuncio to Ireland has said a papal visit is "possible".

On a visit to Moyross, Limerick, the Pope's representative in Ireland, Archbishop Charles Brown said there are "many links" between Pope Francis and the Irish people.

The Pontiff studied English in Dublin in the 1970s and is said to hold Ireland "close to his heart".

Speaking in Limerick, Archbishop Brown said the Pope knows Ireland's great devotion:

Earlier this year, Pope Francis travelled to Albania for his first official visit to a European country. It marked the first time in more than 20 years that a Pope had travelled to the largely Muslim country.

The Pope will visit France and Turkey later this month.