Statement from Tánaiste following the Funeral of Pope Francis

It was an honour and a privilege for me to attend the funeral of the late Holy Father, Pope Francis, as part of the national delegation led by President Michael D. Higgins, in the company of the Taoiseach.

Today, as we laid him to rest, we joined with people from every corner of the globe in mourning a remarkable spiritual leader who left an indelible mark on our world.

The sadness we have all felt at his passing has been eased somewhat by the widespread celebration of his life and his achievements that we have witnessed since his death. People have gathered here in Rome to reflect on a Papacy defined by compassion, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable among us. He inspired millions, beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love for the less fortunate.

The scale of the global response to his passing and the unprecedented attendance at his funeral speak to the profound impact Pope Francis had during his time as the leader of the Catholic Church. He was a moral voice on the world stage, advocating tirelessly for peace, for climate justice, for the poor and the displaced.

In Ireland, he will forever hold a special place in our hearts for his historic visit in 2018. That visit was a moment of reflection and dialogue, of healing and hope, and it resonated deeply with people of all faiths and none.

Pope Francis challenged us all to be better—to care more, to judge less, to lead with kindness. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal

ENDS

Press Office

26 April 2025

The Special Delegation of Ireland to the Papal Funeral Mass on Saturday 26 April, was led by President Michael D. Higgins and included Mrs Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, Tánaiste Simon Harris TD, and the Ambassador of Ireland to the Holy See Frances Collins.