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Extra.ie
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Loyalist group slammed after 'appalling' jabs at death of Pope Francis
A loyalist group who have poked fun at the death of Pope Francis have been branded 'idiotic' following a string of social media posts. The page shared news of the pope's death, writing: 'No, no pope in Rome' and later followed up with photos of their slogan written on cards at various religious locations. The mockery has been described as 'appalling.' A loyalist group who have poked fun at the death of Pope Francis have been branded 'idiotic' and 'saddos' following a string of social media posts. Pic: LisaOfficial Protestant Coalition took to Facebook on Easter Monday sharing a series of photos from a local church, where they shared pictures of a piece of paper with a red hand and 'ULSTER' written down the side. 'No no pope in Rome,' was written all over the card, with pictures of the card taken both outside and inside a local church. 'Celebrating the antichrists death at the grotto in Calvary, Omeath,' they shared, 'Took a few photos for our followers.' The post was met with a number of likes and heart reactions, though the comments were less appreciative. One said: 'Easy to take idiotic photos when there's no one around.' Another added: 'This isn't funny. I'm struggling to work out the thought process that took you out of your house and to that place which brings comfort to distressed people, in order to have a bit of fun. 'It is bigoted and completely out of order.' Sinn Féin councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille said she was 'appalled' by the incident which saw the Calvary Shrine in her locality being 'used as a platform for such despicable acts of sectarianism.' Pic: Councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille/ Facebook A third wrote: 'State of the people liking this. Saddos.' Sinn Féin councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille said she was 'appalled' by the incident which saw the Calvary Shrine in her locality being 'used as a platform for such despicable acts of sectarianism.' Speaking to Irish News, Cllr Mhic Conchoille said: 'It is deeply troubling to witness individuals mocking the death of a respected religious leader. Pope Francis' death was announced on Monday afternoon by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released by the Vatican. Pic:'This behaviour is not only offensive but also clearly shows their lack of respect for the values and beliefs of the Catholic Church. 'Such actions are a blatant display of disrespect and have no place in our society which should be promoting understanding and tolerance instead.' Pope Francis' death was announced on Monday afternoon by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released by the Vatican. 'Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,' he said, 'At 7.35am this morning, The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.' The head of the Catholic Church's funeral takes place on Saturday, April 26, from 9am Irish time. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins is among the senior figures who will attend the funeral as a representative of Ireland.
Sunday World
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Sunday World
Facebook stunt at shrine mocking death of Pope Francis branded ‘appalling'
Loyalist group shared photos taken Calvary Shrine in Omeath The community in Omeath are shocked that loyalists mocked the death of Pope Francis at the much-loved Calvary Shrine just outside the village Louth Sinn Fein councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille has said that the community in Omeath are shocked that images celebrating the death of Pope Francis were taken at Calvary Shrine and posted on a loyalist group's Facebook page. She described the post on the Official Protestant Coalition page, which read 'celebrating the antichrists death at the grotto in Calvary, Omeath', as 'appalling'. The post shows photos of a poster of a Red Hand and the word 'Ulster' along with a handwritten message with the words 'No Pope in Rome' and the Union Flag being held up at various locations around the Catholic Shrine. Commenters on the post gave it the thumbs up saying "Oh dear. Now folks do you remember how much piss taking and disrespect republicans gave Queen Elizabeth. Well I'm sure we can return the favour' while another said that Pope Francis would 'be replaced by ANOTHER New World Order antichrist.' Cllr MhicConchoille has condemned the social media post by the group which also shared links to anti-immigration protests in Belfast last summer. "I was deeply disturbed to learn that our Shrine at Calvary in Omeath, a place of prayer and devotion for many, has been misused as a platform for deplorable acts of sectarianism.' She said that it is 'profoundly troubling to witness certain individuals mocking the death of a highly respected religious leader whose contributions will have a lasting impact on the world. This behaviour goes beyond mere insensitivity; it represents a crude and alarming lack of respect that has no place in a society that should promote understanding, tolerance, and coexistence. It is essential that we unite to condemn these actions and advocate for an island that values diversity and fosters harmony among all its citizens.' The Calvary at Omeath, which is located at Ballyoonan, has been a place of pilgrimage for many years. The site includes an oratory, the historic way or stations of the Cross, the Shrine of St. Jude, a Lourdes Grotto, the crypt of Fr Luigi Gentili the founder of the Rosminian Order in Ireland, and a reflection garden of remembrance on the shores of the Carlingford Lough.
