Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin has expressed his sadness following the death of Pope Francis earlier this morning, 21 April.
At 9:45 this morning, Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced
the death of Pope Francis following his recent illness which saw him
hospitalised for several weeks in February.
The Pope had made a public appearance in St Peter's Square just yesterday as part of the Easter Sunday celebrations.
Cardinal Farrell said "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized."
Archbishop Martin said "On behalf of the people, religious sisters
and brothers, priests and bishops of Ireland I wish to express sadness
and our feelings of affection and loss upon hearing of the death of the
Holy Father Pope Francis this morning. In recent days, and since he was
admitted to hospital in February, he has been showing immense courage
and serenity in the face of frailty and suffering. In this, he has been
giving such powerful witness to the dignity of human life and to
resilience in the face of suffering which has meant so much, especially
to those who are struggling with illness, disability or any other
difficulty at this time. Just yesterday, on Easter Sunday he proclaimed
from the balcony in Saint Peter's Square Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter!
reminding us that Christ is alive. Christ is risen. Christ is our
hope."
Archbishop Martin added "Pope Francis often said that the
face of God is Mercy. In the coming days, we will remember him with
thanksgiving and pray that God will have mercy on his soul and reward
him for all the good work he has done."
Pope Francis attended the World Meeting of Families in Ireland in 2018.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin also expressed condolences "On behalf of the
Government and the people of Ireland, I offer my heartfelt sympathies
and my deepest condolences to all who mourn him, to His Eminence
Cardinal Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, to his
family and friends, and to the Catholic community worldwide that has
lost an exceptional leader.
"Pope Francis’ long and
distinguished papacy was marked by his unwavering commitment to the
principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity. He spoke out for the
poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed. His solidarity with
refugees, his calls for climate action, and his insistence on global
peace and equality set him apart as a champion of justice in the modern
world."
A book of Condolence has been opened at www.catholicbishops.ie