There has been huge demand for tickets to participate at events with Pope Francis with tickets for Knock being snapped up in just over four hours.
Organisers of the World Meeting of Families confirmed that the Dublin-based pastoral congress is also booked out with some 37,000 pilgrims registered from 114 countries.
As of lunchtime on Tuesday organisers said that around 400,000 tickets (or 80% of those available) had been reserved by people to see Pope Francis during his short trip to Ireland. There are now no seats available at Croke Park for the Festival of Families presided over by the Holy Father on the evening of August 25.
Commenting on the reaction, Fr Tim Bartlett, Secretary General of the WMOF2018 said that he is hugely encouraged by the response to all of the WMOF2018 events – those with Pope Francis and those that will take place before the Pope arrives to Ireland.
He said: “It is clear that what Pope Francis is saying about family, Faith and society, is connecting with a wide range of people. We are working hard to make the WMOF2018 a joyful, welcoming and comfortable event for all those who wish to attend.
“While I know that many people will be disappointed that they have not managed to get tickets for Knock Shrine or the RDS, I would encourage them to come to the Mass in Phoenix Park for a joyful celebration of Faith.”
Tickets for the WMOF2018 Closing Mass and are still available to book on www.worldmeeting2018.ie.