CATHOLICS across Fermanagh are mourning the death of Pope Francis who was remembered as a “humble man” and a “breath of fresh air” following his passing on Easter Monday.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who selected the papal name Francis following his election as Pope in March 2013, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, following a long battle with illness.
During his 12 years as head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis was respected for his liberal thinking, where he made strides to give laity and females a greater position in the church.
Fr Gary Donegan remembered him as “a breath of fresh air” in the Catholic Church.
“From the moment that he refused to don the very swanky garments and he walked out with the simple white cassock on him, the message was that things were changing,” he told the ‘Herald.
“Up until that it was a very centralised, very European, very white Church. Pope Francis made it the Church of the World and he placed a big emphasis on developing the church for its people.”
His passing, on Easter Monday, was like “something out of the movies”, Fr Gary recalled.
“If you had Steven Speilberg directing Pope Francis’ death, you couldn’t have put it a better way. This man had literally risen from the dead, he should have died a few weeks ago,” he said.
“Then he’s wheeled out on the day of the resurrection, he gives his blessing and God calls him home in the next few hours. It’s like something out of the movies.”
The Holy Father placed an importance on voicing his support for climate change, as well as taking steps to improve relationships between the LGBTQ community and the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis was vocal in his criticism of recent anti-immigration policies in the States and he also took a radical approach to financial corruption which had deeply affected the church.
He also apologised to those affected by sexual abuse, during his 2018 visit to Ireland.
Fr Brian D’Arcy, who praised Pope Francis for his proactive approach to adhering to the findings of the Second Vatican Council of 1962 and 1965, welcomed his commitment to helping others.
“Pope Francis wanted to give the church back to the people of God, the laity,” recalled Fr Brian.
“He consulted the laity through synods which I think will become one of the greatest gifts that he has given the church, provided that it is followed through.”
Fr Brian also praised Pope Francis for his commitment to speaking up for developing countries.
“He spoke out on behalf of the poor and for immigrants. He spoke on their behalf and he was the only one brave enough to contradict the American presidency,” remembered the local cleric.
“He put the people first. He spoke on behalf of the poor and of God’s creation, the universe.”
An outpouring of grief was expressed throughout the county following Pope Francis’ death.
Lorraine Corrigan from Belcoo, who was present in Brazil in 2013 when Pope Francis celebrated Mass at World Youth Day, remembered the pontiff for his commitment to young people.
“Seeing Pope Francis and getting to hear his voice was a special and blessed experience. Getting to share it with so many young people made the experience even more worthwhile,” she said.
“I class myself as fortunate that I got to line up on the streets in Brazil and see the Pope with my own eyes as he passed by giving a blessing in his mobile.”
Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday (April 26), at 9am UK time. The conclave, which will select the new pope, will take place after the funeral and a period of mourning.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has opened an online Book of Condolences. It can be accessed through the Council’s website, up until Friday, May 9.
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