Syrian asylum seekers were among those in attendance when Pope Francis planted an Irish oak tree at Áras an Uachtaráin on Saturday. The Hassoun family members included Saif Eddin Hassoun, Sana Edris, Mahmoud Al A’Araj, Hasba Hassoun, Lana Al A’Araj (6), Aala Al A’Araj (4) and Tala Al A’Araj (1). Pope Francis touching the head of Tala Al A’Araj (1) from Syria during his visit to Áras an Uachtaráin. The Hassoun family including Saif Eddin Hassoun, Sana Edris, Mohmoud Al A’Araj, Hasba Hassoun, Lana Al A’Araj (6), Aala Al A’Araj, (4) and Tala Al A’Araj (1), wait to meet Pope Francis following a tree planting ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin. Pope Francis’ tree was planted in the same vicinity as the oak tree planted by Pope John Paul II on occasion of his papal visit in 1979.

Source: The Irish Times August 25, 2018 11:51 UTC