After much anticipation, Pope Francis has confirmed that he will be visiting Ireland later this year, from August 25-26.

The pope will attend the last two days of the world meeting of the families during his visit.

The Irish Bishops' conference expressed its gratitude to Francis following the announcement, which came at the pope's general audience in Rome today.

'On behalf of the faithful of Ireland we warmly welcome today's announcement, by the Holy Father himself, that he plans to visit Dublin in August for the World Meeting of Families,' the bishops said. 'We are deeply honoured that Pope Francis will come to our country to participate in this universal Church celebration of faith and joy, as well as of the contemporary challenges which face families. With great anticipation we also look forward to hearing the apostolic guidance of His Holiness during his stay with us.'

Confirmation of the visit comes ahead of a referendum in Ireland in May to repeal the 8th amendment to the Irish constitution, which holds equal the right to life of both mother and unborn.

Last November, the archbishop of Dublin said that the pope will focus on the marginalised during his Ireland visit.

Speaking to the Irish Independent at St Mary's Pro Cathedral in Dublin, Diarmuid Martin said the Pope would also 'want to meet priests when he comes' and 'will want particularly to meet with the poor'.

Pope Francis is also expected to visit a prison in the country. 'He will, without any doubt, visit a prison,' the archbishop added, in the first indication of what the Pope's agenda will be in Ireland.