Mocking of Pope at loyalist parade on day he died branded ‘provocative and insensitive’ by politicians

Belfast Telegraph - 23:13
Politicians have branded the mocking of Pope Francis’ death at an Apprentice Boys of Derry parade in Lisburn as “completely unacceptable”.

Footage from the annual Easter parade on Monday showed the Pride of Knockmore Flute Band playing ‘No Pope of Rome’.

Lyrics to the song include: “No, no Pope of Rome, no chapels to sadden my eyes, no nuns and no priests, no Rosary beads, every day is the 12th of July”.

The incident came just hours after 88-year-old Pope Francis died on Easter Monday.

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In a social media post Alliance MLA Sorcha Eastwood said: “It is so distressing that this happened yesterday – it is really hurtful to many across our shared community in Lagan Valley and further afield.

“It is offensive and unacceptable at any time, but particularly on the day that the Pope passed away.

“This is not behaviour that is representative of our town or indeed many of the bands participating who do not want to be associated with this sort of completely unacceptable conduct and hate.

“Lagan Valley is a shared community and we will push back against this sort of regressive intolerance.”

Pope Francis Photo: Vatican Pool/Getty Images.

Alliance MLA for Lagan Valley, David Honeyford, also criticised the actions of the band members.

“It’s really disappointing to hear of this provocative and insensitive behaviour yesterday. This would have been disrespectful at anytime, but is especially on the day of the P...
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