Warm tributes to Pope Francis, which included particularly personal and heartfelt thoughts and recollections, were paid at Monday night’s (April 28) Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon council meeting.
The first elected representative to pay homage to the late Pontiff was ABC Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy, who stated: “I would like to take a moment to reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, whose passing last week has been felt deeply across the world.
“Pope Francis was a leader of extraordinary compassion, humility and courage. Throughout his papacy he gave a voice to the voiceless, stood with the oppressed and reminded us all of the enduring power of kindness and service to others.
“His tireless advocacy for peace, justice and human dignity, resonated far beyond the Catholic community, inspiring people of all faiths and none.
“Even in his final days, Pope Francis continued to show remarkable leadership, calling for an end to violence and the cause of those suffering right across the world.
“May we be inspired by his example to lead with compassion, to listen with humility, and to always act with courage.”
SDLP representative for Armagh DEA, Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon echoed the Lord Mayor’s words, adding: “A lot has been said about Pope Francis since his death on Easter Monday, from political and religious leaders of all denominations from here and across the globe.
“Some of us attended the beautiful Requiem Mass in Armagh on Thursday night with Archbishop Martin, and it was a very fitting and solemn occasion.
“Pope Francis has been described as a shepherd who led with humility, compassion and a profound love for all humanity.
“From the very beginning of his papacy, Francis set a different path, one of simplicity and closeness to the people.
“He made it clear that the leadership in the church was not about power, but about service, not about grandeur, but about mercy.
“His first words as Pope asked for prayers of the people, before he offered his own blessings. A simple, beautiful act that came to define his approach and his papacy.
“Pope Francis challenged the world to see Christ in the poor, the refugee, the sick and the marginalised.
“He called us to tear down walls of indifference, and to build bridges of humanity and solidarity.
“He challenged not only the Church, but the world, and especially those of us in public office to walk the path of tenderness, justice and peace.
“We in Ireland remember with special fondness his visit in 2018 for the World Meeting of Families.
“Even though many of us had hoped he would visit Armagh, it wasn’t to be.
“During his time in Ireland, he met victims of abuse. He did not shy away from those painful truths of our history, or the cover-up and denial, and sought to play his part in mending those broken hearts.
“As we say goodbye to this remarkable man, we give thanks for his life, his witness and his enduring example.
“His message was clear and simple, yet profoundly challenging. To love without limits, to lift up the fallen, to care tenderly for our common home.
“In every encounter, whether with heads of state or the poorest of the poor, Pope Francis lived and preached, showing that true greatness is found in humility and tenderness.
“May Pope Francis rest in peace, and may his spirit of mercy, justice and love continue to guide us all in the years ahead.”
Councillor Peter Lavery (Alliance, Lurgan DEA) saw in the late religious leader someone who had reached out beyond his own faith community.
“On behalf of the Alliance grouping on Council, I wish to pass on our condolences on the passing of Pope Francis,” he said.
“His passing was a moment of deep sadness, not just for those of a Catholic faith around the world, but for everyone who wishes to be in a shared and pluralist society.
“His enduring message of compassion, humility and care for the marginalised and vulnerable, transcended faith and brought hope and comfort to so many.
“Pope Francis spoke up on the issues of our time, such as climate change, poverty and inequality, peace and migration.
“He challenged right-wing populism and made important overtures to the LGBT community.
“Despite religious differences across the world, Pope Francis straddled barriers in favour of social justice and reconciliation.
“The world has lost an advocate for peace, freedom and democracy.”
Councillor Catherine Nelson (SF, Craigavon DEA) shared very private recollections and thoughts, in what was a particularly heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis.
“I always feel honoured that I was able to pray with Pope Francis when I visited the Vatican in 2020,” she said.
“It’s a moment that stood out for me, because at that time I asked him for something very special. It wasn’t for myself, it was for a friend, and he delivered.
“And at times when my faith is stretched by events, such as the suffering and loss of my mum, I think back to that and that moment that I shared with him.
“He was a humble man, he led in a way that I always admired. In recent days he has been remembered for his deep compassion, his humility and his tireless advocacy for the poor and the marginalised.
“He was undoubtedly a courageous voice for peace and justice, never afraid to speak truth in the face of conflict and suffering, and in his final months he continued to call for an end to violence, particularly in Gaza.
“His nightly calls to the Holy Family Church there every night always stood out for me.
“His prayers and support, which continued even when he himself was hospitalised, underscored his commitment to solidarity with those suffering conflict and genocide.
“But his leadership extended far beyond the Catholic Church, evidenced by the many world leaders who united even in his death to attend his funeral.
“He touched hearts across all faiths and none. May he rest in peace, safe in the knowledge that his legacy will be lasting.”
Most read today
LIR Construction
