Ireland: Archbishop Eamon Martin on the death of Pope Francis

'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.

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.'

A Book of Condolences for people to record their sympathy on the death of Pope Francis is now available on the homepage of www.catholicbishops.ie , and on the Irish bishops' social media platforms of Facebook, Instagram, X, and on BlueSky

See video clips and addresses of Pope Francis during his August 2018 visit to Ireland:
www.caholicbishops.ie/apostolic-visit-of-his-holiness-pope-francis-to-ireland-world-meeting-of-families-25-26-august-2018/