29 September 1979: Pope calls for peace in Ireland

Pope John Paul II has called on the people of Ireland to end all violence and return to "the ways of peace". The 57-year-old pontiff made his appeal in front of a 300,000-strong crowd at Drogheda, a few miles from the Northern Irish border, during the first day of an historic tour of southern Ireland. The Pope touched down at Dublin airport earlier today where he was met by the Irish president, Dr Patrick Hillery and a host of religious leaders. It is the first time a reigning Pope has ever visited this devoutly Catholic country and John Paul II, who became Pope just 11 months ago, appears determined to use the trip to broadcast his messages of peace.