Following the death of the Holy Father Pope Francis on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, Irish Protestant Church leaders published the following tributes:
Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop John McDowell of Armagh expressed his heartfelt condolences to Archbishop Eamon Martin and the Catholic people of Ireland. Archbishop McDowell described Pope Francis as “a man of self-authenticating authority,” noting his “deep devotion to God” and his unwavering commitment to all people. He praised the Pope’s brotherly affection for Christians of all traditions and his prophetic voice, especially on environmental and social issues highlighted in his encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli tutti.
Archbishop Michael Jackson, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, spoke warmly of the Pope’s global legacy, describing him as a man of “courage and compassion, insight and inspiration.” He recalled Pope Francis’ time in Milltown, Dublin, where he studied briefly and left a lasting impression with his humility. Archbishop Jackson also shared memories of meeting the Pope in Sweden and again during the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, in 2018, where he presented him with a handmade cross from Laragh, Glendalough – a simple gift for “someone who sits atop worldwide Christianity.” He praised the Holy Father’s promotion of synodality, calling it a profound gift to the broader Church.
Dr Trevor Gribben, General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, offered condolences on behalf of the Presbyterian community, acknowledging the grief felt by many, particularly among their “Roman Catholic friends and neighbours.”
From the Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev Dr John Alderdice and Mrs Elaine M. Barnett, President and Lay Leader respectively, extended “sympathies and prayers of the Irish Methodist people.” They praised Pope Francis for his ecumenical spirit, his concern for the vulnerable, and his call for humanity to embrace their role as stewards of creation.
The Bishops’ Communications Office in Maynooth has made available digital Books of Condolence for people to record their sympathy. These are available on the homepage of catholicbishops.ie, on the bishops’ social media platforms of Facebook, Instragram, X, Linkedin and on BlueSky.
ENDS
