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DUP mocked MLA over attending event for 'antichrist' Pope - you are dragging unionism down, says Beattie

Ulster Unionist Party's Robbie Butler
Ulster Unionist Party's Robbie Butler

Those that mocked an Ulster Unionist MLA over his attendance at a reception for the Pope in Dublin are dragging unionism down by their lack of inclusion, an MLA said.

Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler told The Irish News one MLA "wagged his finger" telling him he had made a mistake before saying "you know he's the antichrist". While another crossed himself in a mocking gesture as he passed the politician in a corridor at Stormont.

"It was a throwback to the 1970," said Mr Butler who did not disclose the identity of those MLAs.

UUP MLA Doug Beattie said those that mocked or criticised Mr Butler were "dragging unionism down by your lack of inclusion".

Thousands descended on Dublin for the Pope's first visit in over 30 years. All the main Northern Ireland parties - Sinn Fein, Alliance, SDLP and UUP - sent a representative to the event, bar the DUP.

Arlene Foster said she could not attend as she was away on a family holiday. The event also clashed with the annual Black Saturday parades.

Mr Butler, attended as his party leader Robin Swann could not. He said he had made the right decision in attending the event and enjoyed the occasion. He said he was, however, disappointed in the Pope did not go further in addressing the legacy of clerical child abuse.

"If you can't be a good neighbour, you can't expect to have good neighbours," he said.   

"I went to Dublin as Christian, Protestant and unionist and came back as Christian, Protestant and unionist."

Doug Beattie - UUP MLA for Upper Bann added: "You’ll not find a more honourable man in NI politics than Robbie Butler - those that mocked him or criticised his actions need to understand you are dragging unionism down by your lack of inclusion."

Pope Francis prays inside St Mary's Pro Cathedral during his visit to Dublin, Ireland. (Stefano Rellandini/Pool Photo via AP)
Pope Francis prays inside St Mary's Pro Cathedral during his visit to Dublin, Ireland. (Stefano Rellandini/Pool Photo via AP)
Pope Francis at the Phoenix Park, Dublin for the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Pope Francis at the Phoenix Park, Dublin for the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Micheal D. Higgins awaiting Pope Francis arrival at the Phoenix Park, Dublin for the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Pope Francis is greeted by a delegation of clergy and representatives from Ireland West Airport as he arrives at the airport in Knock in County Mayo, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Pilgrims wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at Knock Holy Shrine, in County Mayo where he will view the Apparition Chapel and to give the Angelus address, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives to attend the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis is greeted by a delegation of clergy and representatives from Ireland West Airport as he arrives at the airport in Knock in County Mayo, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Pope Francis during a visit to Knock Holy Shrine, in County Mayo to view the Apparition Chapel and to give the Angelus address, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
A gust of win blows Pope Francis' cape as he speaks at the Knock Shrine, in Knock, Ireland, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018. Pope Francis is on a two-day visit to Ireland. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Pope Francis during a visit to Knock Holy Shrine, in County Mayo to view the Apparition Chapel and to give the Angelus address, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Audrey Elliott with the signed Co Mayo jersey by Pope Francis at Ireland West Airport, Knock in County Mayo, which she hopes will lift the Mayo 'curse' so the team can win an All-Ireland title. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. The Co Mayo curse dates back to the last All-Ireland winning Mayo team of 1951 who were said to be cursed on their victory drive home from Dublin with the winning cup. See PA story IRISH Pope Airport. Photo credit should read: Cate McCurry/PA Wire
Pope Francis during a visit to Knock Holy Shrine, in County Mayo to view the Apparition Chapel and to give the Angelus address, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Pope Francis with pilgrims at Knock Shrine, County Mayo, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Pope Francis at Knock Shrine, County Mayo, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
People gather in Dublin's Phoenix park ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis for the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope Colour. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Orlagh McGlade, from Armagh, in Dublin's Phoenix park ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis for the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope Colour. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Members of the Garda Síochána - the police service of the Republic of Ireland - in the rain await Pope Francis to board his plane to depart from the airport in Knock in County Mayo, after a visit to Knock Holy Shrine, in County Mayo, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Clerical sex abuse protesters assemble at the General Post Office (GPO) on O'Connell Street in Dublin, prior to marching to the Garden of Remembrance to hold a protest to coincide with the Papal Mass at Phoenix Park, before walking to the site of a nearby former Magdalene laundry, during the visit to Ireland by Pope Francis. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Clerical sex abuse protesters assemble at the General Post Office (GPO) on O'Connell Street in Dublin, prior to marching to the Garden of Remembrance to hold a protest to coincide with the Papal Mass at Phoenix Park, before walking to the site of a nearby former Magdalene laundry, during the visit to Ireland by Pope Francis. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Clerical sex abuse protesters assemble at the General Post Office (GPO) on O'Connell Street in Dublin, prior to marching to the Garden of Remembrance to hold a protest to coincide with the Papal Mass at Phoenix Park, before walking to the site of a nearby former Magdalene laundry, during the visit to Ireland by Pope Francis. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
A message to Pope France is tied to the fence of the former Tuam home for unmarried mothers in County Galway, where a mass grave of around 800 babies has recently been uncovered, during the visit to Ireland by the pontiff. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Childrens toys are place at Scoil Mhuire primary school in Tuam, Co Galway in protest to Pope Francis visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes was set up following claims of mass burials of hundreds of children at the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrive to attend the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
An aerial view of the crowd at Phoenix Park in Dublin as Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives to attend the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
An aerial view of the crowd at Phoenix Park in Dublin as Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
An aerial view of the crowd at Phoenix Park in Dublin as Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
An aerial view of the crowd / Pope Francis at Phoenix Park in Dublin as Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrive to attend the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Sex abuse victim William Gorry (left) showing emotions as he joins clerical sex abuse protesters at the General Post Office (GPO) on O'Connell Street in Dublin, prior to marching to the Garden of Remembrance to hold a protest to coincide with the Papal Mass at Phoenix Park, before walking to the site of a nearby former Magdalene laundry, during the visit to Ireland by Pope Francis. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Bed sheets with names of deceased children tied to the fence of the former Tuam home for unmarried mothers in County Galway, where a mass grave of around 800 babies has recently been uncovered, during the visit to Ireland by the Pope Francis. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Pope Francis speaks at the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives to attend the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
An aerial view of the crowd at Phoenix Park in Dublin as Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
People hold up names of children as they gather to protest at the site of the former Tuam home for unmarried mothers in County Galway, where a mass grave of around 800 babies has recently been uncovered, during the visit to Ireland by Pope Francis. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
The Stand4Truth protest at the Garden of Remembrance to coincide with the Papal Mass at Phoenix Park, before walking to the site of a nearby former Magdalene laundry, during the visit to Ireland by Pope Francis. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
People hold up names of children as they gather to protest at the site of the former Tuam home for unmarried mothers in County Galway, where a mass grave of around 800 babies has recently been uncovered, during the visit to Ireland by Pope Francis. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
People hold up names of children as they gather to protest at the site of the former Tuam home for unmarried mothers in County Galway, where a mass grave of around 800 babies has recently been uncovered, during the visit to Ireland by Pope Francis. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives to attend the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis at the Phoenix Park, Dublin for the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Pope Francis at the Phoenix Park, Dublin for the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Micheal D. Higgins awaiting Pope Francis arrival at the Phoenix Park, Dublin for the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis attends the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis joins an audience of 82,500 at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. Photo credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell (left) and Pope Francis enjoying the performances at Croke Park in Dublin, during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
Pope Francis speaking at Croke Park in Dublin, during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
Pope Francis speaking at Croke Park in Dublin, during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
Pope Francis waves to the audience as he leaves Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, after attending the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Pope Francis prays at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis prays at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis speaks to the audience at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Performers at Croke Park in Dublin, prior to the arrival of Pope Francis who will join an audience of 82,500 and hear five testimonies by families from Ireland, Canada, Iraq, and Africa, during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
Crowds and performers at Croke Park in Dublin, in preparation for the arrival of Pope Francis who will join an audience of 82,500 and hear five testimonies by families from Ireland, Canada, Iraq, and Africa, during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he arrives at the Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018. Pope Francis is on a two-day visit to Ireland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Pope Francis joins an audience of 82,500 at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives at the Croke Park stadium for the Festival of Families, in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018. Pope Francis is on a two-day visit to Ireland. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Crowds and performers at Croke Park in Dublin, in preparation for the arrival of Pope Francis who will join an audience of 82,500 and hear five testimonies by families from Ireland, Canada, Iraq, and Africa, during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
People hold up lights at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, as Pope Francis joins an audience of 82,500 where he will hear five testimonies by families from Ireland, Canada, Iraq, and Africa, during the Festival of Families event, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Pope Francis waves to the waiting crowds on Christchurch, Dublin as he travels in the Popemobile during his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis waves to the waiting crowds on O'Connell Street, Dublin as he travels in the Popemobile during his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pauline Gallagher (right) with her daughters Amelia and Alana after seeing Pope Francis on College Green, Dublin, as he travels in the Popemobile during his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Pope Francis greets Aidan Walsh, during a visit to the Capuchin Day Centre on Bowe Street in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
Pope Francis shakes hands with Br Kevin Crowley as he arrives for a visit to the Capuchin Day Centre on Bowe Street in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
Pope Francis speaks during his visit to the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018. Pope Francis is on a two-day visit to Ireland. (Tiziana Fabi/Pool Photo via AP)
Pope Francis during a visit to St Mary's Pro Cathedral in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
Pope Francis during a visit to St Mary's Pro Cathedral in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
Pope Francis waves to the waiting crowds on Christchurch, Dublin as he travels in the Popemobile during his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis meets with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Dublin Castle as part of his visit to Ireland. Photo credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Pope Francis meets with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, right, as he arrives at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018. Pope Francis is on a two-day visit to Ireland. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Pope Francis signs a guest book as he meets with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018. Pope Francis is on a two-day visit to Ireland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Pope Francis arrives for a visit to St Mary's Pro Cathedral in Dublin to meet with recently-married couples, and couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Stephen O'Brien selling bottles of holy water from the St Mary's Pro Cathedral on Talbot Street, Dublin, during the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives for a visit to St Mary's Pro Cathedral in Dublin to meet with recently-married couples, and couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Pairs of baby shoes hang from the railings on Sean McDermott Street in Dublin in memory of the children who died at the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Co Galway, during the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Supporters wait to see Pope Francis outside Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Sean McDermott Street, Dublin, the resting place of Matt Talbot, on the first day of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Pope Francis at St Patrick's Hall at Dublin Castle, Dublin, prior to his speech, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Pope Francis kisses a young girl at the end of his meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018. Pope Francis is on a two-day visit to Ireland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Priests await the arrival of Pope Francis to St Mary's Pro Cathedral in Dublin, where he will meet with recently-married couples, and couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Crowds wait for Pope Francis at College Green, Dublin, prior to him travelling through Dublin in the Popemobile during his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Pope Francis delivers a speech in St Patrick's Hall at Dublin Castle, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Pope Francis (left) shakes hands with Taoiseach Leo Varadakar after his speech in St Patrick's Hall at Dublin Castle, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Pope Francis speaks with President Michael D Higgins in his study during a visit to Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
Pope Francis (left) shakes hands with Taoiseach Leo Varadakar after his speech in St Patrick's Hall at Dublin Castle, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Pope Francis (centre right) arriving at St Patrick's Hall at Dublin Castle, Dublin, with Taoiseach Leo Varadakar (centre left) after his speech, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Pope Francis (centre right) leaves St Patrick's Hall at Dublin Castle, Dublin, with Taoiseach Leo Varadakar (centre left) after his speech, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Pope Francis speaks with President Michael D Higgins in his study during a visit to Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: WMOF18/Maxwell Photography/PA Wire
Pope Francis delivers his speech in St Patrick's Hall at Dublin Castle, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Pope Francis presents Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with a gift as they meet at Dublin Castle during his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Pope Francis signs the arrivals book as he meets with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Dublin Castle as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
The Hassoun family, (left to right not given) Saif Eddin Hassoun, Sanaa Edris, Mohmoud Al A'Araj, Hasba Hassoun, Lana Al A'Araj (six), Aala Al A'Araj, (four) and Tala Al A'Araj (one), wait to meet Pope Francis following a tree planting ceremony at Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives for tree planting ceremony during a meeting with Irish President Michael D Higgins, at Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives for a meeting with Irish President Michael D Higgins, at Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. Photo credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis receives a bouquet of flowers from five-year-old Annalise, daughter of Foreign Affairs minister Simon Coveney, as he arrives at Dublin International Airport, at the start of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives for a meeting with Irish President Michael D Higgins and wife Sabina , at Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives for a meeting with Irish President Michael D Higgins, at Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Protestors wearing baby shoes, to signify the children who died in mother and baby homes in Ireland, protest in Dublin ahead of the start of the visit to Ireland by Pope Francis. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives for a meeting with Irish President Michael D Higgins and wife Sabina , at Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis arrives for a meeting with Irish President Michael D Higgins and wife Sabina , at Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Pope Francis is greeted by Archbishop Eamon Martin as he arrives at Dublin International Airport, at the start of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis as he arrives at Dublin International Airport, at the start of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis as he arrives at Dublin International Airport, at the start of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis as he arrives at Dublin International Airport, at the start of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis as he arrives at Dublin International Airport, at the start of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis is greeted by members of the clergy, representatives of Government and the local County Council, as he arrives at Dublin International Airport, at the start of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Bishop Eamon Martin waits for the arrival of Pope Francis at Dublin International Airport, for the start of his visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday August 25, 2018. See PA story IRISH Pope. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pope Francis waves as he boards an airplane at Rome's Fiumicino international airport, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018. The pontiff is traveling to Ireland for a two-day visit on the occasion of the 2018 World Meeting of Families. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

The DUP has been approached for comment.

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