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President Higgins leads Irish delegation in Rome

President Michael D Higgins was among world leaders attending the funeral
President Michael D Higgins was among world leaders attending the funeral

The funeral of Pope Francis has taken place in the Vatican this morning with the Irish delegation being led by President Michael D Higgins and includes Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris.

Other world leaders in attendance included the presidents of Argentina, Italy, France and the US.

Ahead of today's funeral, the Taoiseach said it was an honour to represent the Government and the people of Ireland, and to reflect on and appreciate the remarkable achievements of Pope Francis's life.

Mr Martin said Pope Francis had a deep commitment to service.

"He was a man of great humility who lived his life with an unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace and human dignity, providing an example to all," he added.

The Taoiseach said Pope Francis truly lived the Gospel in his actions and in the example he set.

"He pursued his vision of a Catholic Church that is open, compassionate, and does not shy away from the challenges the world faces," he said.

"He had a deep commitment to service. He was a man of great humility who lived his life with an unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity, providing an example to all," he added.

"'He was a voice for the marginalised, the poor, and the migrants. He truly lived the Gospel in his actions and in the example he set. Pope Francis showed leadership in the Church.

"He pursued his vision of a Catholic Church that is open, compassionate, and does not shy away from the challenges the world faces," he added.

Following the funeral, Tánaiste Simon Harris issued a statement saying that people from every corner of the globe mourned "a remarkable spiritual leader who left an indelible mark on our world."

He added that Pope Francis's papacy was "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.

Mr Harris said that in Ireland, Pope Francis "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."

In an earlier statement, President Higgins said: "The world was struck by the generosity given by Pope Francis, right until the very last moments of his life, in terms of seeking to embrace, as he put it, all of humanity.

"Through his life and his work, Pope Francis led by example in embracing so many of the most important issues facing humanity."

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill also attended today's funeral.

She said: "Pope Francis will be remembered as a leader of deep humility, compassion and courage, with an unwavering commitment to justice and peace.

"His passing is deeply felt in Ireland and across the world, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire millions," she added.


Read More:
Pope Francis in Ireland
The Pope's final resting place

View the liturgical booklet for the funeral mass here
Read the full Homily