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BBC News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Books of condolence opened for Pope Francis
Books of condolence are being opened at buildings across Northern Ireland, following the death of Pope Francis. He died on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta 88-year-old was elected in March 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI stood 2018, he became only the second pope in the church's history to visit Ireland. Political leaders from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have joined the outpouring of tributes to Pope Francis.A book of condolence has been opened at Armagh Cathedral for visitors. Meanwhile, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have opened online books of condolence in memory of Pope Francis, with other councils expected to follow suit in the coming days. At the scene in Armagh, Cormac Campbell reports:Throughout the morning a steady stream of people came to St Patrick's Cathedral to sign a special book of them were Siobhan Keegan from Markethill. She said: "I felt it was important to represent the family. The rest are across the water. He was a very special Pope. A very humble Pope."He lived the way he wanted people to." Kieran Grimes had come to the cathedral with his family, some who had travelled from Carlow. He said: "As I sat down it was the thoughts that came into my mind that I wrote. I hope there's peace and prosperity in the world. He was a good man."Doreen Lappin said she hoped the next Pope would continue Pope Francis' work."I believe he was a very good, humble man who tried to speak out for the underprivileged. If my faith has anything to do with being a Catholic it's that I'll aspire to. I hope his successor continues to do that. A voice for those who can't be heard," she Thursday evening at 19:00 BST a special memorial mass will take place in the Cathedral. 'Genuine humility' Speaking on Good Morning Ulster on Tuesday, Rev Trevor Gribbon, Clerk of the Presbyterian General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland said Pope Francis was someone who set a different said: "His genuine humility came across and I think that began at his election to office when the very first thing he said to the cardinals was that he was doing this as a sinner."Rev Gribbon said that although his Church differs with the Catholic Church, Pope Francis "taught us that we can differ well, and we shouldn't pretend to agree on everything.""He was a global leader who undoubtedly connected with many people throughout the world, throughout the Church and outside of it. He was an advocate for others, he usually always spoke with a focus on the poor and marginalised," he said. Gráinne, Shéa and Grace from St Patrick's College in Dungannon, were part of a group from their school who made the pilgrimage to Rome in said that visiting Rome allowed him to deepen his said: "Pope Francis taught me to live a simple life, he wasn't up for a lavish lifestyle, he lived in a humble apartment and had a normal car so he taught us to be happy in a simple life."I hope the new pope will finish what he has started in reforming the church."Grace said visiting Rome was life changing for her."I was sad not to meet the Pope as he was unwell but it was a good experience," she described Pope Francis as a humble man and said he helped to broaden her said: "Through social media he boosted faith with young people and talked about war and hope, and encouraging people to live in peace."Gráinne said: "I think he was a great encouragement for ones our age as teenagers, he always wanted to encourage us to take on more things like the Pope John Paul Award, to get in touch with our community and parish."
The Independent
17-03-2025
- The Independent
St Patrick's Day celebrations start at dawn in city with ‘most authentic' link
St Patrick's Day celebrations will start at dawn in the city which claims the 'most authentic connection' with Ireland's national saint. The day is being celebrated across the world with the US city of Chicago even continuing the tradition of dyeing its river green for the occasion, however an Armagh guide explained why the city's connection is so strong. Now known as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, Armagh's ties to Patrick stretch back to 445AD when he founded that first church. The site, now home to St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, was once part of the land known as the Hill of the Sallows, which belonged to local chieftain Daire mac Fiachna, who initially refused Patrick's request but later granted it to him – an act which is described as laying the foundations of Ireland's Christian heritage. Today, less than half a mile away, on a neighbouring hill, stands Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral, making Armagh the only city in the world with two cathedrals bearing his name. This connection is honoured annually through Armagh's Home of St Patrick Festival, a week-long celebration of music, art, and theatre that has already drawn thousands to the region. On Monday, events were starting at dawn at the Navan Centre and Fort which hosted the Dawn Light, an event which will transport attendees back to the 5th century, through drama and live music, to witness Patrick's fateful encounter with Chieftain Daire. The festivities also include a colourful and musical parade later in the day. Donna Fox, a registered Blue Badge Level 4 guide, leads guided walking tours exploring why Patrick chose Armagh as the centre of his mission. She insisted that Patrick's roots remain firmly in Armagh. 'Many don't realise that without Armagh, the island's connection to its patron saint may not be what it is today,' she said. 'At a time when Ireland was a land of wooden structures, Patrick's decision to build in stone was a statement – one of strength, permanence and intent. 'He recognised that securing a foothold in Ard Mhacha, a royal stronghold, was crucial to successfully spreading Christianity across Ireland.' Ms Fox also has some of the lesser known tales about Patrick in her repertoire. 'According to local legend, when St Patrick attempted to build a church near present-day Newtownhamilton, his efforts were repeatedly thwarted by an unruly bull,' she said. 'Frustrated, he cast the animal from Carrigatuke Mountain in the townland of Armagh-Breague. Where it landed, a standing stone – now known as The Bull's Stone – remains as a quirky reminder of his resolve.' Sara McGeary, tourism manager at Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council, said the city remains a key destination for those wanting to explore Patrick's life and impact all year round. This includes with the Pilgrim's Walk, an 82-mile trail beginning at the Navan Centre in Armagh and ending at Down Cathedral, where St Patrick is buried. 'St Patrick's legacy isn't confined to just one day in March,' she said. 'Armagh, with its rich heritage, continues to inspire visitors from around the world who seek to understand the true origins of Ireland's patron saint and experience the place where his story began. 'Through attractions like St Patrick's Cathedrals and Navan Centre and Fort, we aim to connect visitors to the landscapes and landmarks associated with Patrick's mission. 'We are very proud to share our unique place in his story with the world – his influence permeates everything in our city, from the architecture to local culture.'
