Local bishops reflect on Pope Francis' legacy after his death at the age of 88

Bishops from across the Midlands have been paying tribute to Pope Francis and reflecting on his legacy following the death of the leader of the Catholic Church earlier today (Monday) at the age of 88.

The Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Paul Connell, said he was "deeply saddened" be the death of "our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis."

"We were praying for his full recovery from his recent very serious illness. Pope Francis has now been called home to the Father’s house," said Bishop Connell.

"Pope Francis has made an immense contribution to the life of the Church and the wider world. He was keenly aware of the challenges faced by humanity and he constantly focused on these challenges during his pontificate, not least in the area of climate change. He constantly emphasised the need for all of us to take care of our planet, our common home.

"Care, respect and compassion were at the heart of his pontificate and he had a special affinity with the poor and those with special needs.

"He challenged us as Christians to take responsibility for, and look after, the least in our societies, to maintain solidarity with one another and in particular to look after refugees fleeing from war and economic want.

"During his pontificate he launched the global compact on education, appealing for a more open and inclusive education for all our young people and calling for educators throughout the world to co-operate in providing an education that enables young people to rise above antagonism and division.

"Over the last few years in particular, Pope Francis has emphasised the synodal nature of the church. All of us who are baptised participate in the life of the church, listening to each other, exchanging views and making decisions.

"I ask everyone in our diocese to pray for Pope Francis, that his gentle soul will rest in peace."

He added that Mass will be celebrated in St Mel's Cathedral for Pope Francis, with details to be finalised later.

Fintan Monahan, Bishop of the Diocese of Killaloe, which includes a number of Offaly parishes, met Pope Francis on three occasions, in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

"Even though he didn’t have much English he exuded warmth, friendliness and pastoral zeal. It was humbling to hear him on each occasion to ask for prayers for him personally as he exercised his mission," said Bishop Monahan, in a statement.

"Since his appointment as Holy Father in 2013 he has had a profound impact on the whole world as a spiritual leader and humble pastor.

"From the simple greeting, moments after his appointment along with his warm smile and asking people to pray for him, he won over the hearts of so many. This was matched with a quiet and steely determination to embark on a mission of gentle reform in the Church.

"In choosing the name Francis, we got a strong indication that his papacy would be one of preferential option for the poor, the marginalised and those in trouble."

The Bishop of Killaloe concluded: "His spiritual and pastoral legacy is immense, and he will be sadly missed."

Athlone native Michael Duignan, the Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh & Kilfenora, and Bishop of Clonfert, said it was "with profound sadness" that he learned this morning of the Pope's death.

"He was an ever faithful servant in the vineyard of the Lord. In word and deed, he pointed to a loving and merciful God who reaches out to embrace all people," said Bishop Duignan.

"He had a big heart for the poor, the migrant, the marginalised. He dreamed of a Church as the people of God working together to make this often darkened world of ours a better place.

"I pray that he now enjoys the presence of God himself whom he loved with all his heart and served so faithfully in this life."

President Michael D Higgins, who met the late Pope on five occasions, said he joined with those who had "expressed such profound sadness" following his death.

"On the vital issues of our time - such as global hunger and poverty, of climate change and justice, of the plight of migrants and indigenous peoples, of the dispossessed, of the fundamental necessity of global peace and diplomacy - Pope Francis' voice constituted a consistent invocation of a shared humanity that is represented by acknowledgement of the essential dignity of each human person," said President Higgins.