President Mary McAleese had talks with Pope Benedict XVI during a special reception in the Vatican this morning.
Poope Benedict XVI greets the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square at the Vatican for his weekly general audience
The Vatican did not release the text of Benedict's remarks.
When Pope John Paul II met Mrs McAleese in 2003, he told her Ireland had an "essential role" to play in affirming the Christian identity of Europe.
Benedict has often stressed the need for Europe to recognise its Christian heritage.
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Taoiseach Bertie Ahern met Benedict in the Vatican in July. They discussed Northern Ireland, church-State dialogue and the European Constitution.
The Pontiff also met today with the Prime Minister of Madagascar, Jacques Sylla, before flying by helicopter back to Castel Gandolfo, in the hills south of Rome.