Fermanagh and Omagh council open online book of condolence for late Pope Francis
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have opened an online book of condolence for Pope Francis after his death at the age of 88.
The former head of the Catholic Church died today, Monday April 21.
The council has since opened the online book as a means for the public to pay their respects.
Read more: Pope Francis has died aged 88, The Vatican has confirmed
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17 1936 and was ordained as a priest in 1969.
He was elected in 2013, after first becoming Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and a Cardinal in 2001.
Councillor John McClaughry, chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said: "As chair of the council, I have opened an online book of condolence to facilitate residents who wish to express their sympathy and thoughts on the death of Pope Francis.
"I am conscious that many from our district will have attended the services led by the late Pope during his visit to Ireland in 2018 as part of the World Meeting of Families, and others will have visited Rome during his papacy.
Read more: What is a papal funeral and what happens when the Pope dies?
"His death, during this Easter season, is particularly poignant and his passing will be keenly felt by very many people in our council district and indeed the world over."
The online book of condolence is available to access on the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website.
It will remain open on the council's website from April 21 to May 9.
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