Mairead McGuinness, first vice-president of the European Parliament, had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican last weekend.

The Pope and the Ireland East MEP attended a conference on Christian contributions on the future of Europe.

“It was an honour to meet Pope Francis and to discuss my role with him. We talked about a number of issues and the importance of communication between the generations,” McGuinness said.

She added that, speaking at the conference, the Pope had recognised the key role of farmers in society.

“The Pope stressed the indispensable role of those who put food on our tables on a daily basis, asking where we would be without their efforts.

“Pope Francis questioned why many essential professions, including farming, are now looked down upon, yet they are essential both for society and, above all, for the satisfaction that they bring in themselves and for others, thanks to their daily work,” McGuinness said.