REVEALED: Pope Leo's surprising connection to Tipperary

Newly appointed Pope Leo (centre) with Fr Maher (left) and Fr Gerry (right). Photo: Hannah Sheehan/Facebook

placeholder image — Newly appointed Pope Leo (centre) with Fr Maher (left) and Fr Gerry (right). Photo: Hannah Sheehan/Facebook

Back in 2005, Robert Prevost paid a visit to the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard

All eyes were on the papal balcony in Rome on Thursday evening for the unveiling of the new pope, but many are unaware of the new pontiff's surprising connection to Tipperary.

American Robert Prevost was unveiled as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

The Chicago-born priest spent many years as a missionary in Peru, and was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.

However, before being appointed to the highest role in the Catholic Church, the newly-appointed Pope Leo paid a visit to Tipperary.

20 years ago, back in 2005, he paid a visit to the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard, meeting with local priests there and attending a special mass to celebrate 700 years of the Augustinian Abbey Church in the town.