Expression of Sympathy on the Death of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Archbishop of Cashel, and the Bishops of Ossory, Ferns, Leighlin, Waterford and Lismore by the Right Revd Adrian Wilkinson, Church of Ireland Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory.
The Right Revd Adrian Wilkinson has expressed his sympathy and has extended the prayers and condolences of the Church of Ireland clergy and people of the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory to Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, Bishop Niall Coll, Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop Denis Nulty and Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, their priests, religious and people, upon the announcement of the death of Pope Francis.
I had the honour of meeting Pope Francis in Rome in January of last year when Bishop Niall Coll and I were the Irish representatives at the International Anglican – Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission. Since his election, Pope Francis has been known for his love, compassion and humility with a life centred on service. He has been a voice for the displaced, the asylum seeker, the migrant, the poor and those who live on the margins and frequently expressed a deep concern for the wellbeing of the earth. We pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Roman Catholic Church grieving today. In this season of Easter, we thank God for the life, witness and service of Pope Francis and offer our prayers to them in this time of mourning and transition.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.