Irish leader says Pope Francis ‘holds a special place’ in people’s hearts

Leaders from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have joined the outpouring of tributes to Pope Francis.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill said that Catholics “right across the world, including here in Ireland, will feel his loss deeply”.

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micháel Martin said the passing of Pope Francis comes with “a profound sadness”.

He died at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta just a day after he appeared in St Peter’s Square to wish “happy Easter” to thousands of worshippers.

O’Neill recalled Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland in 2018 where “he spoke passionately in support of the peace process”.

“He also marked the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, giving thanks for the peace it delivered in Ireland,” she added.

“Pope Francis showed compassion on LGBT issues and condemned right-wing extremists, and he was ahead of many world leaders in speaking out against the Israeli war in Gaza.

“His efforts to reach out and acknowledge past wrongs should also be recognised.”

She described Pope Francis as “a man of great faith and a strong, determined leader”.

Micháel Martin said Pope Francis’ “long and distinguished papacy was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity”.

“He spoke out for the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed.

“His solidarity with refugees, his calls for climate action, and his insistence on global peace and equality set him apart as a champion of justice in the modern world.”

He added that the Pope holds a “special place in the hearts of Irish people”.

“During his visit to Ireland in August 2018 for the World Meeting of Families, he was welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm that spoke volumes about the respect and affection in which he was held by Irish people.”

Martin also made reference to 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”.

“Pope Francis legacy is his message of peace, reconciliation, and solidarity that lives in the hearts of those he inspired,” he added.

Ireland’s Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) Simon Harris said that “Pope Francis’ commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity touched millions”.

“Through his advocacy for the poor, his calls for interfaith dialogue, and his focus on environmental issues, he was a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless.

“He urged us to care for the Earth as a moral responsibility, integral to the Christian faith.”

He said that Pope Francis’ influence “transcended the Vatican, offering moral leadership during times of uncertainty”.

“His teachings on poverty, migration, and refugees remain relevant as we confront global inequality and division,” he added.