President Michael D Higgins has led Irish tributes to Pope Francis, praising the pontiff’s “warmth” and “unique humility” following the Vatican’s announcement of his death this morning.
President Higgins stated that Pope Francis “sought to show in the most striking and moving of ways, the extraordinary importance of the spiritual” as a source of global ethics. He highlighted the Pope’s “consistent invocation of a shared humanity” and advocacy on “vital issues” including global hunger, poverty, climate change and justiceโtopics they discussed across five meetings during Francis’ papacy.
“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. 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,” the President said.
Taoiseach Micheรกl Martin described Pope Francis’ legacy as “his message of peace, reconciliation, and solidarity that lives in the hearts of those he inspired.” The Fianna Fรกil leader praised his “unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity” and noted he “holds a special place in the hearts of the Irish people” following his 2018 visit for the World Meeting of Families.
Tรกnaiste Simon Harris said the Pope’s influence “transcended the Vatican,” offering “moral leadership during times of uncertainty.” He emphasized that Francis’ teachings on poverty, migration, and refugees “remain relevant as we confront global inequality and division.”
Sinn Fรฉin Leader Mary Lou McDonald called the Pope’s death “a moment of huge loss,” praising him as “a courageous spiritual leader” who “stood up for peace and justice in the face of global tension, instability and militarism.” She noted his solidarity with Gaza and recalled the 2018 papal visit as marking “the redefined role between Church and State.”
The Methodist Church in Ireland expressed gratitude for “Pope Francis’s faith and leadership,” praising “his ecumenical spirit and openness to other leaders in the global Christian Church” and his advocacy for social justice.
Former President Mary McAleese said she wasn’t shocked by Francis’ death, believing “he knew yesterday was farewell.” She commented on his love for the poor and migrants, while acknowledging he “was not the world’s greatest strategist” and “could flip flop” on issues. “He was old school in relation to women,” she added, but “he was a good man, he tried his level best to be a good Pope.”
Former Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin described Pope Francis as “very weak but a very determined man,” who was “stubborn and determined, with a great sense of giving.” He recalled the Pope’s visit to Sean McDermott Street in Dublin, where Francis showed genuine interest in the area’s history and the local church.
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