Pope Francis: Taoiseach tribute for "exceptional leader"

The Taoiseach paid tribute to Pope Francis today (Monday) describing him as an "exceptional" leader who holds "a special place in the hearts of Irish people".

Micheal Martin said the world had reacted with "profound sadness" at the Pope's passing on Easter Monday.

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I offer my heartfelt sympathies and my deepest condolences to all who mourn him, to His Eminence Cardinal Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, to his family and friends, and to the Catholic community worldwide that has lost an exceptional leader," Mr 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.

"Pope Francis holds a special place in the hearts of the 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."

said he was impressed with Pope Francis when he met him during his 2018 visit to Ireland.

"I had the honour of meeting Pope Francis in Dublin Castle during that visit and was impressed by his vision of a Catholic Church that is open, compassionate, and focused on the needs of the most vulnerable," the Taoiseach said in a statement.

"He shared with us his deep concern with the issues of social justice and human rights, and his profound commitment to alleviating suffering."

He said that people will also remember the Pope's "expression of pain and shame" during the visit over historic child abuse in the Catholic Church.

"During his visit to Ireland, many will also remember 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."

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

"May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to guide us as we strive to build a world that reflects his vision of love and compassion for all."

Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris has called Pope Francis "a remarkable figure who embodied compassion, humility, and service".

The Tanaiste said the late pope "bore his illness with great dignity and courage".

"On behalf of the people of Ireland, I offer my condolences to His Eminence Cardinal Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, the entire Roman Catholic Church, and all those mourning his loss worldwide," he said in a statement.

"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 urged us to care for the Earth as a moral responsibility, integral to the Christian faith.

"Pope Francis also worked to make the Catholic Church more inclusive, promoting reconciliation, unity, and compassion over division.

"His 2018 visit to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families was particularly significant, inspiring hope and renewal within the Church.

"His emphasis on mercy, healing, and reconciliation continues to resonate in our efforts towards addressing the challenges of the past and building a more inclusive future."

"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."