With deep sorrow, Saint Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, joins with the Church throughout the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis.
A shepherd of profound humility, courage, and compassion, Pope Francis led the Church with a heart attuned to the cries of the poor, the earth, and those on the margins. His papacy called us to rediscover the joy of the Gospel, to walk together in synodality and fraternity, and to bear witness to mercy.
Rev. Dr. Michael Shortall, Interim President, SPPU, commented: “As a Pontifical University under his authority, we give thanks for his life, his teaching, and his unyielding hope in the transforming power of God’s love. To university students, he once said “Replace fears with dreams. Do not be managers of fears, but entrepreneurs of dreams” (2022). We commend his soul to the Lord he served so faithfully, confident in the promise: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master” (Mt 25:23).
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.’
Rev. Dr. Tomás Surlis, Rector of St Patrick’s National Seminary added: “It was with great sorrow that we learned of the death of the Holy Father on Easter Monday morning. On behalf of the Seminary Community, I offer condolences to His Excellency Archbishop Montemayor, the Apostolic Nuncio in Ireland, together with the assurance of prayers for the happy repose of the Pope’s soul. Having called the People of God to walk together in hope on the path of missionary discipleship, may the Lord, whom he served so well miserando atque eligendo (having mercy, he called him) reward this faithful servant of the Gospel and welcome Pope Francis into the House of the Father this day.”