In Pictures: Pope shrugs off driving rain on visit to shrine and at outdoor Mass

Pope Francis during a visit to Knock Holy Shrine (Niall Carson/PA)

Thousands of pilgrims have braved the rain to see Pope Francis at a shrine revered by Irish Catholics and then later a Mass at Dublin’s Phoenix Park.

The engagement at the holy shrine of Knock, in Co Mayo, saw the pontiff call for reconciliation in Ireland.

He then attended an outdoor Mass in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, for which half a million people had tickets although the weather appeared to have deterred many from attending.

The crowd at Phoenix Park in Dublin Credit: Liam McBurney/PA
Pope Francis attends the closing mass at the World Meeting of Families Credit: Danny Lawson/PA
The papal delegation arrived in Knock at around 9.30am on an Aer Lingus aircraft Credit: Yui Mok/PA
A papal flag and Irish tricolour were flown from the cockpit Credit: Yui Mok/PA
He was greeted on the apron by a number of people, including 100 schoolchildren from four local schools Credit: Yui Mok/PA
Pilgrims waited in the rain for Francis’ arrival at Knock Holy Shrine Credit: Niall Carson/PA
In August 1879, 15 people said they saw an apparition at Knock of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph, St John the Evangelist and a lamb Credit: Niall Carson/PA
Around 1.5 million people now visit the site every year Credit: Niall Carson/PA
Around 45,000 free tickets were distributed for the Knock event Credit: Niall Carson/PA
Francis climbed the steps of his Popemobile ahead of a tour through the thousands of pilgrims Credit: Niall Carson/PA
He waved to well-wishers before addressing the flag-waving crowds Credit: Niall Carson/PA
In his address, Francis begged for God’s forgiveness as he called for firm action in pursuing justice for church abuse victims in Ireland Credit: Niall Carson/PA
Francis said the crimes committed by members of the church had left an ‘open wound’ Credit: Niall Carson/PA
He added that no-one could fail to be moved by stories of young abuse victims who were ‘robbed of their innocence’ and left with ‘painful memories’ Credit: Niall Carson/PA
He later left for Dublin, where he will celebrate a huge outdoor mass for which half a million people have tickets Credit: Yui Mok/PA