Irish Catholics mourn "courageous leader"

Pope John Paul II’s death deprived Ireland of an historic return visit, Archbishop Sean Brady said today.

The Catholic Primate of All Ireland lavished praise the pontiff, declaring that his legacy to both the church and the world will be immense.

Speaking from his home in Armagh, Dr Brady said: “We mourn with heavy hearts and an immense sense of loss the death of a loving pastor, a gentle teacher and a courageous leader.”

The Pope would be remembered for his desire to be with his Catholic flock across the world, he said.

Yet in every country he visited, John Paul II held out the hand of friendship to people of every religion, the Archbishop stressed.

Dr Brady spoke of the pontiff’s unfailing affection for Ireland and the Irish people.

Mass crowds turned out for his only papal visit to the country a quarter of a century ago.

Since then Catholics have clung to the hope that he would some day return, despite his failing health.

Dr Brady said: “We remember with particular joy and gratitude this morning the visit to our country in 1979, a visit we had hoped he would be able to complete later this year.

“But alas the Lord has called him on another journey.”

As he assessed the legacy of his leader, the Archbishop pointed to his deep reverence for human life in all its stages, his solidarity with those who suffer around the world, his immense intellectual capacity, evidenced in the extent of his writings and teaching.

“Pope John Paul II was a man of our time, yet not afraid to challenge the culture and values of our age. He gave it reasons for living and reasons for hope.

“But he was also ahead of his time in his message of global solidarity and his vision of a civilisation of love among all the peoples and nations of the world, in his deep respect for the human person and to the very moment of his death in his powerful witness to the gospel of life.

“He was in every sense a witness to hope and a champion to life.”

Meanwhile, SDLP chief Mark Durkan joined the ranks of political leaders paying tribute.

He said: “Like so many people, I have very fond memories of the Pope’s visit to Ireland in 1979.

“His powerful spirituality inspired us all at that time and ever since.

“His impassioned plea for peace touched the heart of our nation and left a deep impression on me and countless others across Ireland.”

Alliance Party leader David Ford said he commanded global respect.

“Even those who disagreed with the stance he took on certain social issues will respect the role he played in the liberation of central Europe from communism,” Mr Ford added.

“The Pope’s courage in the face of ill health and adversity was an example to us all.”