President to visit Pope Francis for fourth time Chai Brady October 12, 2023 Michael D. Higgins, Pope Francis, Vatican Pope Francis greets Irish President Michael Higgins during a private audience at the Vatican Sept. 17, 2021. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) President Michael D. Higgins is set to meet Pope Francis next week during a visit to Rome, The Irish Catholic can reveal. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)