During these days of mourning following the sad news of the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the faithful in Ireland and around the world have been reflecting on the loss of the Holy Father.
Irish Bishops have expressed their gratitude to the faithful for their ongoing heartfelt condolences recorded on the CatholicBishops.ie, Book of Condolence. To date, over 1100 messages and memories from across Ireland and the globe have been posted on the homepage of the Irish Bishops’ website. This response has been both humbling and uplifting.
Commenting on the response, bishops said, “We would like to thank the faithful for their thoughtful messages on our digital Book of Condolence. This outpouring of affection is a true reflection of the kind of leader that Pope Francis was – a man who united people from all walks of life around the world, as Cardinal Re said at the Holy father’s Funeral Mass, ‘the profond pontificate of Pope Francis touched minds and hearts’”
Examples of the posted messages range from personal memories, to tributes honouring the Holy Father’s legacy:
Pope Francis was a wonderful Pope and a man who wanted to reach out and help all people. He was an inspiration to us all during his challenging final illness when he showed courage, bravery and resilience up to his last day in this world. It was so good to see him among his people on Easter Sunday. A good Pope now gone to his well deserved eternal reward in Heaven. May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace and may we all be inspired by his example to care for those in need and to help others as best we can.
— Daniel Murphy, Cork, Ireland.
Another tribute states:
Dear Beloved Pope Francis, It was so heartwarming and inspiring to see you at Easter Mass at the Vatican last Sunday, only to be crushed mere hours later when we heard that you were gone. I was overcome with grief because you had only just returned to the public after your long illness. My reaction was one of utter disbelief and even some resentment. But, then, after several days of contemplation, I realized instead what a gift those last moments had been for us. Divinely orchestrated! May You Rest in Eternal Peace, Beloved Franciscus. Thank you for serving ALL people with a true and humble heart. I am so thankful I lived in the time of Pope Francis. 🙏
— Meghan Elizabeth Jones, Los Angeles
Another message states:
Dearest Pope Francis,
I was so lucky to be in your presence when you were in Dublin at The Phoenix Park in 2018. You were a great person. Please may your Spirit watch over me and all my family.
Rest in Peace. Lots of love,
— Michelle Ward, Dalkey, Co. Dublin
A French contributor wrote:
“Très Saint-Père, C’est avec une grande tristesse que j’ai appris votre départ. Vous étiez un homme profondément bon, porteur d’idées justes et humaines. J’espère de tout cœur que vous reposez maintenant en paix, loin de toute souffrance. Je ne suis pas un grand pratiquant, mais je vous adresse une petite prière, sincère et respectueuse. J’ai eu la chance d’être à Rome, au Vatican, à la Toussaint 2024. J’y ai prié pour mes proches, et aujourd’hui je vous confie à mon tour une intention : continuez, de là-haut, à veiller sur ma famille et mes amis. J’espère que votre successeur sera à la hauteur de votre héritage, fidèle à votre esprit d’ouverture, de paix et d’amour. Amen.”
— Vincent, France
Physical Books of Condolence have also been placed in cathedrals, basilicas and churches across Ireland, and all are invited to share their reflections. The digital Book of Condolence will indefinitely remain open on CatholicBishops.ie. The Bishops’ Communications Office in Maynooth has also made available digital Books of Condolence on the Bishops’ Conference social media platforms of Facebook, Instragram, X, Linkedin and on BlueSky.
ENDS
