Ireland’s leading prelate has welcomed news that Dublin is to host the World Meeting of Families in 2018.

Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin said he was “delighted” at the announcement, made at the end of the World Meeting in Philadelphia, concluding Pope Francis’ successful US trip.

“I am confident that the World Meeting of Families in 2018 will also be an uplifting event for all of us,” the Archbishop said. In a statement.

Dr Martin continued: “Despite many challenges, the family remains at the heart of faith and of so much that we hold important in this country. Our preparations for the World Meeting of Families will inspire us as we implement, over the next few years, the recommendations which will emerge from the Synod on the Family in Rome next month.

“I look forward to sharing the joy of this announcement with Archbishop Diarmuid [Martin], my fellow bishops and with people from all around the country as we begin thinking about how, together, we can best plan to make this significant international event a success.”

Established by St Pope John Paul II in 1992, with the first event taking place in Rome in 1994, the World Meeting of Families takes place every three years in various cities worldwide. The purpose of the gathering is the strengthening of the family through dialogue and prayer. The event regularly draws internationally renowned speakers on a range of areas of interest and concern to the modern family.

Though Popes do not always attend the World Meeting of Families, conveying personal messages instead, the selection of Dublin for the 2018 gathering has led to heightened speculation that Pope Francis will indeed travel for the gathering, becoming the first Pontiff to come to Ireland since St Pope John Paul’s 1979 visit.