Archbishop Eamon Martin, the chief celebrant at the Funeral Mass
today for Bishop Gerard Clifford RIP, in the Church of Saint Patrick,
Dundalk, read out the following message of condolence from Pope Francis:“The Holy Father was sadden to learn of the death of Bishop Gerard Clifford and he sends heartfelt condolences to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Armagh. United with you in prayerful thanksgiving for his generous and dedicated episcopal ministry in the service of education and ecumenism, His Holiness joins those gathered for the solemn funeral rites in commending the soul of the late Prelate to our Heavenly Father’s merciful love. Upon all who mourn Bishop Clifford ‘s passing, Pope Francis cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace and consolation in the Lord Jesus Christ.”