Cathedral bells ring out 88 times as people pay respects to Pope in Armagh

Belfast Telegraph - 21/04
As the bells at St Patrick’s Cathedral rang out 88 times to signify each year of Pope Francis’s life, inside young and old sat in silent reflection to mark the death of the pontiff.

Outside the landmark twin-spired cathedral, flags of the Vatican City flew at half-mast as people arrived to pay their respects.

Among those stopping by to say a prayer and light a candle were members of the local congregation but also others from further afield who felt drawn to the seat of the Catholic Church on the island of Ireland.

Barry O’Neill, Clara O’Neill, Claire O’Neill, Ben Og O’Neill and Conan McGerr at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh (David Young/PA).

Shortly before 2pm, the Catholic primate of all-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin and the Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell led an impromptu prayer service ahead of formally opening a book of condolences.

“Over the next few days, I imagine many people will come here just to sign their names because I think we all loved Pope Francis and he was a great witness to us,” said Archbishop Martin.

“Even in the last few months with his own illness and being able to carry that suffering and show resilience in the face of suffering. I know it meant a lot to a lot of people w...
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