Preparations are underway for the funeral of Nobel Peace laureate and former SDLP leader John Hume.
Born in Co Derry in January 1937, Mr Hume was regarded as one of the most important figures in recent Irish political history and a key architect of the peace process.
Mr Hume’s funeral will be held in Derry on Wednesday morning.
His remains will be taken from Moville in Donegal at 7.30 pm this Tuesday evening and returned to St Eugene’s Cathedral after 8.30 pm.
His funeral Mass, at 11.30am on Wednesday morning, will be celebrated by Cathedral Administrator Fr Paul Farren with the homily and final words by Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown.
Attendance will be in line with current Covid-19 restrictions with strictly limited numbers.
John Hume’s family has asked mourners to refrain from lining the streets of Derry as his body is brought to the city ahead of his funeral.
They have asked people to light a “candle for peace” at home at 9 pm this evening, Tuesday, August 4, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Tributes have continued to pour in from presidents and prime ministers for the former SDLP leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair described Mr Hume as a “titan” of politics and without his work there would never have been a peace process.
Mr Hume died on Monday at Owen Mor nursing home in Derry at the age of 83.
In a statement, his family said: “John loved the people of Derry and Donegal.
“The heartfelt and sincere condolences that we have received from people across the island, but particularly from the communities John loved being a part of, have been immensely comforting to us.
“John will leave Moville at 7.30 pm this evening and return to St Eugene’s Cathedral after 8.30 pm.
“We know that he would have prioritised public health and the safety and health of our communities.
“We are asking people to follow that guidance, please do not put yourself or others at risk.
“Instead, we would ask that people light a candle for peace at 9 pm in their homes or at their door.”
