Pope Francis dies on Easter Monday as NI leaders and Royal Family pay tribute to ‘man of great faith’

Belfast Telegraph - 21/04
Northern Ireland’s First Minister has led tributes to “strong determined leader” Pope Francis after the Vatican confirmed his death in a video statement on Monday.

Michelle O’Neill said she was "very sad" to learn of the Pope’s death this morning and called him a "man of great faith”, adding that Catholics “right across the world, including here in Ireland, will feel his loss deeply”.

It comes as DUP leader Gavin Robinson said he extended his “respectful sympathies to all those grieving his passing”.

Tributes to Francis have also come from the King and Queen, who expressed their “most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy”.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the Pope’s death is a reminder of “his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs”.

In his statement, Mr Robinson said it was important to “recognise the profound respect and admiration that many of our fellow countrymen and women had for the humble caretaker who entered the priesthood and died as the head of the Roman Catholic church”.

Tributes also came flooding in from around the world, including the US vice president JD Vance, who was one of the last world leaders to meet with the Pope at the weekend.

The news of the Pope’s death was announced this morning by Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

The senior official said on Monday: “At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home 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 faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.″

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His death comes after months of illness for Francis, who had been recovering from a bout of double pneumonia.

Francis had only appeared in public a handful of times since returning to the Vatican on March 23 after his 38-day hospital stay.

Pope Francis waves to crowds at Vatican's Easter Sunday open-air Mass

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His passing comes just a day after he had emerged from his convalescence on Easter Sunday to bless the thousands of people in St Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise popemobile drive through the piazza.

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19 minutes ago
Christopher Leebody
‘Deep sadness’ in Scotland following death of Pope Francis
Politicians and religious leaders in Scotland have paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death on Easter Monday.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
21 minutes ago
Christopher Leebody

Tributes from the Royal Family

The King and Queen have expressed their “most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy” following the death of Pope Francis.
In an official message released following the news of Pope Francis’s death on Monday, Charles said: “My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis.
“Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.
“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.
“Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.
“The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.
“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”
22 minutes ago
Christopher Leebody

Royal residences to fly Union flag at half mast

The Union flag will be flown half mast at royal residences where the King is not in residence.
Sombre music will played at the Changing the Guard ceremony to reflect “the sadness of the occasion”, a royal source said.
A member of the royal family is expected to attend the Pope’s funeral, if the Vatican is in agreement, but it is too early to say who will travel to pay their respects.
23 minutes ago
Christopher Leebody

What happens now that Pope Francis has died – and how an Irishman will be pivotal during period of mourning and selecting new pope

What happens now that Pope Francis has died – and how an Irishman will be piv...
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