The Acting Bishop of Raphoe Diocese has expressed ‘deep sadness’ at the passing of Pope Francis.
The Vatican announced the death of the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church in a video statement this morning.
He was 88, and had recently survived a serious bout of double pneumonia.
Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Diocesan Administrator, said it was with ‘deep sadness’ the diocese learned of his passing.
“It is with deep sadness that we have learned that our Holy Father Pope Francis has been called home to God,” Msgr Gillespie said.
“The diocesan community is asked to join their prayers with the prayers of the whole Church that the Lord may receive him kindly into the fullness of the Kingdom, show him the mercy he preached with such conviction and forthrightness and grant him eternal rest. We give thanks to God for his witness to the most fundamental spiritual and human values in a world where unjust economies and wars have created personal dramas that Pope Francis insisted must be addressed with compassion and generosity. Pope Francis leaves the Church a legacy that directs all the People of God to work together to build up the Community of Faith and bear more effective witness to Christian hope. I measc na naomh go raibh sé.”
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