Archbishop hails Pope's 'strong voice'

Pope John Paul II’s voice has never been stronger Archbishop Sean Brady, Primate of All Ireland, said today.

With the pontiff slipping in and out of consciousness Archbishop Brady said his ability to accept suffering with such dignity should be a lesson to everyone,

The Primate asked worshippers to pray that God would continue to give John Paul serenity at such a difficult time.

“The courage of the Holy Father in facing his current condition is an important moment in his teaching mission,” Archbishop Brady said.

“Once again he reminds us of the dignity and value of human life through all its stages. In witnessing to this message, his voice has never been stronger.”

As worshippers lit candles and prayed for the intentions of the Pope after Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, Archbishop Brady called on Catholics across the country to make Sunday a special day of prayer for the ailing pontiff.

“Tomorrow is Divine Mercy Sunday, a feast very close to the heart of the Holy Father,” the Archbishop said. It points us the wounds of Jesus’ Passion, especially the wound in his heart, the source of a great wave of mercy and love poured out on humanity.

“The Holy Father has often told us that, in the Eucharist, he is uniting his own sufferings with those of Christ.

“I ask all Catholics in Ireland to unite tomorrow, at Mass, in prayerful solidarity with the Holy Father in this time of his final suffering.”

Archbishop Brady also expressed his gratitude for the many expressions of heartfelt support from people of other religious traditions across the island.