President Higgins leads Irish tributes to the late Pope Francis
Pope Francis with Irish President Michael D Higgins, at Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland in 2018. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
President Michael D Higgins has led tributes from Ireland following the death of Pope Francis, remembering him as a spiritual leader of profound humility and a champion of global ethics in the face of modern challenges.
The Vatican confirmed the Pope’s death this morning. He had been recovering from pneumonia in recent weeks.
In a statement, President Higgins described Pope Francis as a figure of "warmth" and “unique humility,” whose voice served as a "consistent invocation of a shared humanity."
The President commended the late pontiff for speaking out on "vital issues of our time" including global hunger, poverty, climate change, and justice.
"These issues I had the privilege of discussing at length with Pope Francis across our five meetings over the course of his papacy," the President said.
He also acknowledged Pope Francis' role in addressing sensitive topics within the Catholic Church, including the child abuse scandal, attitudes toward women, and the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.
"During his visit to Ireland, Pope Francis spoke of the scandal of child abuse, including in the Church, and its consequences for victims and families," President Higgins said.
"On such matters, and on others such as attitudes towards women and those of the LGBTQ+ community within the Church, Pope Francis sought to play a positive role.
"I recall at the end of our meetings he would say of his work on such issues, 'it is very difficult', as he asked for and offered prayers. It is important that the steps he took are built upon as they constitute a source of hope in the years to come."
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Pope Francis' enduring legacy is one of "peace, reconciliation, and solidarity," and noted the Pope’s powerful global influence during his long and distinguished papacy.
"He spoke out for the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed," the Taoiseach said, highlighting Pope Francis' advocacy for refugees, climate action, and global equality.
Offering condolences on behalf of the Government and the Irish people, Mr Martin described the pontiff as a "champion of justice in the modern world" and recalled his warm reception during the 2018 World Meeting of Families in Ireland.
"Many will also remember Pope Francis' expression of pain and shame about historic child abuse in the Catholic Church and his outrage about the failure of Church authorities to adequately address these appalling crimes," he added.
Tánaiste Simon Harris described Pope Francis as a "remarkable figure" whose influence "transcended the Vatican" and whose moral leadership guided many through uncertain times.
In his tribute, Mr Harris praised the Pope’s continued relevance on pressing issues such as poverty, migration, and refugee rights.
"Pope Francis bore his illness with great dignity and courage," he said. "We find strength in his message of hope, mercy, and compassion, which will continue to inspire us to build a better world for all."
He extended condolences to the Catholic community worldwide, the College of Cardinals, and all who mourn the loss of a globally respected spiritual leader.
The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland has said Pope Francis showed “immense courage” during bouts of illness.
Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin praised the Pope’s representation of the dignity of people and “resilience in the face of suffering.”
“On behalf of the people, religious sisters and brothers, priests and bishops of Ireland I wish to express sadness and our feelings of affection and loss upon hearing of the death of the Holy Father Pope Francis this morning,” the Archbishop said.
“In recent days, and since he was admitted to hospital in February, he has been showing immense courage and serenity in the face of frailty and suffering.
“In this, he has been giving such powerful witness to the dignity of human life and to resilience in the face of suffering which has meant so much, especially to those who are struggling with illness, disability or any other difficulty at this time.”
He added: “Just yesterday, on Easter Sunday he proclaimed from the balcony in Saint Peter’s Square ‘Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter!’ reminding us that Christ is alive. Christ is risen. Christ is our hope.
“Pope Francis often said that the face of God is Mercy. In the coming days, we will remember him with thanksgiving and pray that God will have mercy on his soul and reward him for all the good work he has done.”
The Order of the Knights of St Columbanus has expressed its “deepest sorrow” at the Popes’s death, saying in Irish “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis” or may he rest in peace.
Brother John Murphy, Supreme Knight of the Order marked his passing.
“Pope Francis brought the light of Christ into some of the darkest corners of human suffering,” he said.
“His voice was one of moral clarity in uncertain times, and his example of humility, mercy and joy challenged us all to deepen our faith and widen our hearts. The Knights of St Columbanus stand in prayerful solidarity with the Church throughout the world, and we entrust his soul to the infinite mercy of God.”
The Order has encouraged its members and others to offer prayers for the repose of the Holy Father’s soul and for the College of Cardinals, saying: "they begin the solemn process of discernment and the election of a new Pope."
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