Pope Benedict XVI expressed concern for the bereaved families of sappers Patrick Azimkar and Mark Quinsey and Constable Stephen Carroll during a meeting with the Secretary of State.

Shaun Woodward met the pontiff in Rome yesterday after the Vatican expressed support for the peace process after the killings of the two soldiers and the policeman.

The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the shooting of the sappers outside Massereene Barracks in Antrim on March 7.

Two days later the Continuity IRA shot dead Constable Stephen Carroll in Craigavon.

Mr Woodward said: “The Pope expressed his concern and deep sorrow at the attacks in March.

“He has clearly followed events closely and was obviously moved.

“We discussed the particular pain for the families and he was very concerned for their welfare.

“The Vatican has continued to show a strong interest in maintaining the peace process and the Pope was very supportive of all those who have worked to establish and nurture the peace."

Mr Woodward also echoed an invitation of Prime Minister Gordon Brown to visit the UK. “I expressed the hope that the Pope would be able to come to Northern Ireland as part of a visit.”

The pair also discussed the Pope’s support for the developing world.

The Secretary of State also met Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican's Minister for Foreign Affairs.