

*Note to all readers, this story was an April Fool's Day Prank*

Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland is under threat after the Catholic Church failed to come to an agreement with Croke Park residents.

The Church said it had done all it could to get the World Meeting of Families to go ahead and that it was very disappointed for the thousands of followers who won’t get to see him.

The controversy arose after Dublin City Council only gave permission for the Phoenix Park Mass, while the head of the Church said he wanted to do as many Masses as he could.

The statement said: “It is with great regret that The Vatican today announces Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland has been cancelled. No other event will take place.

“The Vatican have exhausted all avenues regarding the staging of this event. We are very disappointed for the thousands of followers who purchased tickets.”

Ticketmaster said it had received confirmation the events in the Phoenix Park and Croke Park had been cancelled.

(Image: ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan)

In a statement, it said: “We are working on a plan to make the process as simple and convenient as possible for customers.

“However the scale of this operation is unprecedented in the Irish religion industry and therefore we would ask customers to be patient while we finalise our plan.”

Yesterday a local man brought an injunction to prevent the Croke Park event as he fears revellers will pee and vomit outside his home.

The application was been listed before the High Court on Thursday. Proceedings were brought against The Vatican Ltd.

A comeback concert by country star Garth Brooks was called off in 2014 after residents objected to the five-night run.