The Irish official, who was accompanied by his wife and entourage, also met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state.
The Vatican press office confirmed the Saturday meetings but gave no details about the discussions.
«The 75th anniversary and my visit to the Holy See is an opportunity to underline the values common to Ireland and the Holy See in the international sphere,» Ahern said before meeting with the Pope.
Ahern added that this was also an opportunity to acknowledge the role the Catholic Church has played in Irish society.
