NI and Irish leaders react to 'profound sadness' of Pope's death

Pope Francis greeting the crowds in Dublin's Phoenix Park during his visit to Ireland in 2018

Leaders from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have joined the outpouring of tributes to Pope Francis.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill said that Catholics "right across the world, including here in Ireland, will feel his loss deeply".

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micháel Martin said the passing of Pope Francis comes with "a profound sadness".

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta just a day after he appeared in St Peter's Square to wish "happy Easter" to thousands of worshippers.

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• EXPLAINER: What happens next?

O'Neill recalled Pope Francis' visit to Ireland in 2018 where "he spoke passionately in support of the peace process".

"He also marked the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, giving thanks for the peace it delivered in Ireland," she added.

She said he "showed compassion on LGBT issues and condemned right-wing extremists, and he was ahead of many world leaders in speaking out against the Israeli war in Gaza".

"His efforts to reach out and acknowledge past wrongs should also be recognised."

Pope Francis attended the Festival of Families at Croke Park on 25 August, 2018 in Dublin.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson said that while many in the unionist community hold different theological views, it was important to recognise "the profound respect and admiration" that many held for "the humble caretaker who entered the priesthood and died as the head of the Roman Catholic Church".

"At this moment, we acknowledge their sorrow and offer our sincere condolences," he added.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that Pope Francis was "held in high regard and admiration by so many" and that his loss "will be felt deeply".

Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn described Pope Francis as "a tireless campaigner for the poor and the oppressed".

He added that the death of the Pope was "a moment of great sadness" not only for Catholics but also "those of other faiths and no faith at all".

"Wherever there was conflict he sought peace, as he showed in his interest in Northern Ireland and his support for the Good Friday Agreement," he added.

Micháel Martin said Pope Francis' "long and distinguished papacy was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity".

"He spoke out for the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed.

"His solidarity with refugees, his calls for climate action, and his insistence on global peace and equality set him apart as a champion of justice in the modern world."

He added that the Pope holds a "special place in the hearts of Irish people".

"During his visit to Ireland in August 2018 for the World Meeting of Families, he was welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm that spoke volumes about the respect and affection in which he was held by Irish people."

Martin also made reference to Pope Francis' "expression of pain and shame about historic child abuse in the Catholic Church and his outrage about the failure of Church authorities to adequately address these appalling crimes".

"Pope Francis' legacy is his message of peace, reconciliation, and solidarity that lives in the hearts of those he inspired," he added.

Pope Francis meeting President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on 19 October 2023 in the Vatican City

Ireland's president Michael D Higgins said Pope Francis' voice "constituted a consistent invocation of a shared humanity" on the "vital issues of our time".

"There was a warmth to Pope Francis and an abolition of any distance between himself and those with whom he was engaged," he added.

Sinn Féin president, and leader of the opposition in Ireland, Mary Lou McDonald said: "I am deeply saddened to hear that Pope Francis has died.

"For those of us who are Catholics this is a moment of huge loss."

Ireland's Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) Simon Harris said that "Pope Francis' commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity touched millions".

"Through his advocacy for the poor, his calls for interfaith dialogue, and his focus on environmental issues, he was a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless."

He said that Pope Francis' influence "transcended the Vatican, offering moral leadership during times of uncertainty".

"His teachings on poverty, migration, and refugees remain relevant as we confront global inequality and division," he added.

Who was Pope Francis and what happens next?

In 2013, Francis became the first Pope from the Americas or the southern hemisphere.

He was already in his seventies when he replaced Benedict XVI.

His predecessor was the first Pope to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years.

Francis will be the first Pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican.

He will be laid to rest in the Basilica of St Mary Major, one of four major papal basilicas in Rome.

The new Pope will be chosen by the Catholic Church's most senior officials, known as the College of Cardinals.

All men, they are appointed directly by the Pope, and are usually ordained bishops.

There are currently 252 Catholic cardinals, 135 of whom are eligible to vote for the new Pope.

• Read more here.

What have other NI politicians said about Pope Francis?

Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots said he would be coordinating arrangements to mark the Pope's death in the assembly.

"As Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, I express my condolences to the many people in our community who are in mourning today," he said.

"I will be engaging with the party whips to make appropriate arrangements for the assembly to mark the passing of Pope Francis," he said.

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said it was a sad day not just for Catholics but for "everyone who wishes to be in a shared and pluralist society".

"Despite religious differences across the world, Pope Francis straddled barriers in favour of social justice.

"The world has lost an advocate for peace, freedom and democracy with his passing," she added.

Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Claire Hanna said Pope Francis "was a leader of humanity and authenticity".

"Throughout his ministry, he championed the poor and marginalised, including refugees.

"He led on behalf of future generations too, through his focus on environmental leadership and what he called 'care for our common home'," she added.

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Mike Nesbitt said Pope Francis was a "remarkable leader".

A spokesperson for the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) said the party "recognises that the death of the Pope is something which will be mourned by Roman Catholics across the world, including in Northern Ireland".