23-04-2025
Shock over offensive images taken at religious shrine in Louth
Images taken at a religious shrine in Co Louth, which appear to celebrate the death of Pope Francis, have been condemned.
The community in Omeath is said to be shocked after the images, which were taken at Calvary Shrine were posted on a loyalist group's Facebook page.
A message posted on the Official Protestant Coalition Facebook page on Monday included a series of pictures taken at the well-known Catholic pilgrimage site.
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 shrine.
The caption of the post reads: "Celebrating the antichrists (sic) death at the grotto in Calvary, Omeath."
The facebook page states that the group was formed in 2012 and is "a British identity and cultural group for Northern Ireland."
Large numbers of people make the journey each year to the shrine on the Cooley Peninsula, which is close to the border with Northern Ireland.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille, who lives in Omeath, has condemned the social media post by the group, which also shared links to anti-immigration protests in Belfast last summer.
In a statement, Councillor Mhic Conchoille said: "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.
"It is profoundly troubling to witness certain individuals mocking the death of Pope Francis, 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," Councillor Mhic Conchoille added.
