What welcome will Ireland give Pope Francis when he visits in August?

When Pope Francis visits the Irish Republic, in August, the first papal visit for almost 40 years he will find a country wrestling with its relationship with Catholicism.

Thirty-nine years ago Michael McLoughlin, an accountant from County Tipperary, was beyond excited.

Pope John Paul II was visiting Ireland, and Michael's church choir had been chosen to sing at a Mass for young people in Galway.

"Whatever your favorite rock gig that you ever wanted to be at in your whole life, this was it," said Michael. "And you had a backstage pass."