Archbishop Michael Courtney
Tributes paid
Pope John Paul has called on the citizens of Burundi to reject violence, after yesterday's murder of Archbishop Michael Courtney.
A funeral service will be held for the murdered cleric in the capital Bujumbura tomorrow.
Earlier today, the Vatican's Papal Nuncio to Uganda, Pierre Christophe, arrived in the neighbouring state of Burundi, a day after his Irish counterpart there died from gun wounds sustained in an ambush.
Mr Christophe said he had been sent by Pope John Paul to share the grief of the people of Burundi and to show the Pope's admiration for Archbishop Michael Courtney, who was from Nenagh in Co Tipperary.
It is reported that the 58-year-old was travelling in a diplomatic car flying the Vatican flag, when ambushed by the rebel National Liberation Forces, south of the capital Bujumbura.
Archbishop Courtney received fatal gunshot wounds to the head, shoulder, and leg. The FNL has denied any involvement.
Archbishop involved in peace talks
The Archbishop, who had been in the country for the last three years and had been a key mediator in peace talks, had been due to leave for a new posting in Cuba in the New Year.
The Vatican expressed its 'deep sorrow and dismay' at his death. Pope John Paul described him as a loyal and unselfish servant of the Church.
At home, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Defence, Michael Smith, expressed their condolences to the Courtney family. Mr Smith said Archbishop Courtney had always faced the dangerous situations he encountered with the utmost courage.
