My generation of brother priests are those who sprang up buoyant from “the Benedict Bounce”: a phenomenon associated with the papal visit which breathed fresh life into the Catholic Church in Britain. It is all the more compelling that on face value alone it was nothing exterior that intrigued us about Pope Benedict, which we might typically have associated with celebrities. It was his gentleness and warmth, together with his phenomenal mind and beautiful theology, that spoke to us of his heart of prayer. He was holy man and, ultimately, holiness is the most attractive thing in the world.

Looking back, 12 years on from that visit, how has Pope Benedict XVI shaped the future of the Catholic Church in England and Wales? Certainly, for every Catholic in their late twenties and early thirties whom I know, Benedict is the reason we are still Catholics. And for those who have converted, or those who had lapsed and have reverted in the last 12 years, he seems to have been a common factor in bringing people back into the loving arms of the Church.

The papal visit comes shortly after suicide attacks on two churches killed dozens of people

The Pope released a video message ahead of his visit to Egypt on Friday

During his time Egypt, Francis will not use an armoured car and will travel among crowds in a golf cart

Francis will speak at the al-Azhar University during his visit to Egypt on April 28-29

The Pope will make the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima when he visits Portugal on May 12-13.

Enda Kenny tweets confirmation that the Pope will visit Ireland for the World Meeting of Families