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 thank the faithful for their ongoing heartfelt condolences that they have recorded on the CatholicBishops.ie, Book of Condolence. To date, over 600 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.”
Examples of the posted messages range from personal memories, to tributes honouring the Holy Father’s legacy:
“God rest you, Pope Francis. Thank God for you and for the wonderful Popes He has given us in our lifetime, each with a unique, God-given personality. Thank you for your visit to Ireland – it was a privilege to attend your Mass as a family in the Phoenix Park and receive your blessing. We will never forget the thunderous cheers when you arrived at Croke Park for the World Meeting of Families concert. Thank you for your message of hope and joy.”
— The O’Sullivan Family, Meenroe, Meelin, Co. Cork
Another tribute states:
“Pope Francis, Servant of God, served millions with dignity, grace, and humility. As the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, he championed causes such as social justice and poverty. As sovereign of the Vatican City State, he led critical reforms and brought global issues like climate change and migration to the forefront. His papacy transformed the Holy See into a beacon of social conscience. Above all, he will be remembered as a visionary, a diplomat, and a great servant of God.”
— Gerard, North York, Ontario, Canada, April 21, 2025
Another message states:
Your first invitation as Pope was to invite us all to pray for you, a sinner. In this sad time of goodbye I will continue to pray for you as you journey to meet the Lord whom you have served with humility, compassion and love. Despite the many challenges of war, poverty, environmental crisis, church division and scandals, disease and Covid, etc. etc. you have always stood firm and resolute in witnessing to the love and mercy of Christ. It is only fitting that you are now buried in Mary Major church as a sign of your love for our Lady, who has been your strength and your guide throughout your pontificate and before. May the gates of heaven be open to you now and may all of heaven rejoice and welcome you, God’s servant, home. God have mercy on your soul Pope Francis. May you now rest in peace. 🙏
— Caroline Stratton
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
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
Notes for Editors
- The Funeral Mass of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, 26 April, 2025, at 10.00am in Saint Peter’s Square.
- In honour of Pope Francis, please see Link to video clips and addresses of his visit to Ireland during the 9th World Meeting of Families in August 2018.