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Irish Post
27-05-2025
- General
- Irish Post
Stained glass window unveiled in Belfast celebrates LGBTQ+ community
A NEW stained glass window has been unveiled in Belfast to celebrate the contribution of the LGBTQ+ community to the city. Located at City Hall, the window shows 'pivotal moments in the community's development and was designed in partnership with representatives from the sector' a spokesperson for Belfast City Council confirmed. The new stained glass window in Belfast's City Hall 'There was cross-party support for the commission of the new window which is on the ground floor of City Hall,' they explained. 'It is the latest window to be transformed as part of ongoing work over the last 15 years to develop the building as a shared space for everyone.' The design includes quotes from contemporary community figures and depicts key milestones in LGBTQ+ led campaigns. Bright colours represent the Pride flag and the window is framed with green carnations, which are a flower associated with the Irish literary icon Oscar Wilde. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray officially unveiled the new artwork this week, alongside Cara McCann, Director of HERe NI. 'The unveiling of this window in Belfast's most iconic building is a significant moment for our LGBTQ+ community,' Councillor Murray said. 'It is a statement that our city is welcoming and inclusive, and both recognises, and celebrates, the contribution and importance of our LGBTQ+ citizens,' he added. 'This artwork is also the latest step in ensuring City Hall is a shared space for everyone and it will be seen by hundreds of tourists and visitors who visit the building every week. 'The window itself is stunning - a fantastic addition to the space and a worthy response to all the ideas and suggestions put forward by the community," he added. "I also hope it will be an inspiration for everyone continuing to fight inequality.' Ms McCann said such recognition was 'vital' for the LGBTQ+ community. 'Community and visibility matter,' she explained. 'When people see themselves reflected in public spaces – in windows, books, classrooms and councils – they feel valued, they feel seen,' she added. 'The window reflects our community strength – how we come together, in our streets and our shared spaces, to lift one another up, to speak out against injustice and to create visibility, where once there was silence. 'For LGBTQIA+ people, that recognition is not just nice to have – it is life-affirming. 'For young LGBTQIA+ people walking through the City Hall's grounds, wondering if they belong – this window says: you do.'
Belfast Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Unionist parties offer condolences at Belfast City Hall following death of Pope Francis
A special meeting of the council was held on Thursday evening following the death of the pontiff on Monday at the age of 88. Pope Francis passed away at his home in Casa Santa Marta after suffering a stroke and subsequent heart failure. A book of condolence has been opened at City Hall, while Thursday's meeting was held following a request from Sinn Fein. The meeting was opened with a minute's silence, while Lord Mayor Micky Murray offered his sympathies and condolences to those mourning the passing of Pope Francis 'on behalf of the people of Belfast'. 'His death marks the end of an era, and this moment offers us all a chance to reflect on the values and empathy, dignity and care for others that he often spoke of,' Mr Murray said. 'Pope Francis was a champion of peace and was the second Pope in the Church's history to set foot on Irish soil.' DUP council group leader Sarah Bunting said: 'On behalf of the DUP group, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Catholic community in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and further afield on the passing of Pope Francis. 'While many of us come from different traditions and theological backgrounds, we recognise the significance of this moment for our Catholic neighbours. 'The Pope was a spiritual leader to millions, and his passing will be deeply felt by many families, parishes, and communities. 'At a time when Northern Ireland continues to work towards peace, stability, and mutual respect, we acknowledge the importance of shared understanding and compassion. Moments like these remind us that humanity and decency must always transcend division. 'We offer our sympathies to those in mourning, and trust that your faith will be a source of comfort and strength in the days ahead.' Sinn Fein's Ryan Murphy said, throughout his papacy, Francis 'focused on speaking out in favour of the disadvantaged'. He added: 'When asked about the sexuality of priests, he famously said: ''Who am I to judge?' 'He spoke out against climate change and the impact that capitalism has had on creating a polluted wasteland full of debris, desolation and filth in the pursuit of power.' Mr Murphy added that the late Pope was 'an avid champion of peace and peace-building'. 'He rightly called out the Russian invasion of Ukraine and consistently called for peace between those two countries,' he said. 'And likewise, when it came to what was going on at the moment in Palestine, he rightly called out what he described as Israeli terrorism on the people of the Gaza Strip.' The Ulster Unionist Party's Jim Rodgers said: '[Pope Francis] came across, I never had the opportunity of meeting him, although I have met previous popes, but he came across as a very deep-thinking man, a caring individual, and one who would have gone the extra mile to try and bring people together. 'I think all of us should respect his tremendous leadership, the way he went about his business, and I offer our deepest sympathy to all those of the Roman Catholic faith.' Mourners queue overnight to see Pope Francis The TUV's Ron McDowell acknowledged the differences between himself and the pontiff but nonetheless extended his condolences to the Catholic community. 'The difference between a Shankill Road Orangeman and an evangelical, and the Pope - there's a gulf between the two,' he said. 'Lord Mayor, but nonetheless, I think of the people of the city that I represent as a civic leader, and I think of the people, those Catholics that have stood on conservative platforms with me. 'I think of the people that have come to me for help, whom I have helped with housing and am still helping, who may be heavy of heart this evening.' SDLP council group leader Seamus de Faoite described the late pontiff as a 'man of great moral authority'. He added: 'He was someone who used his position as head of the Catholic faith to reach out, to bring inclusion to people where quite often there had not been. 'I think in the context of today's world, that moral authority will be deeply missed.' The Green Party's Anthony Flynn also offered his condolences. 'I'm speaking as someone who lost her faith a very long time ago, but I can humbly say that throughout the years I've had nothing but respect for Pope Francis and how he conducted his work over the past decade,' he said. 'Largely, the Catholic Church has been seen as a bastion of conservatism and protectionism throughout its recent history, but Pope Francis paved the way for modernising views, particularly regarding LGBTQ people and on women serving in the Church.'
Western Telegraph
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Books of condolence open across Northern Ireland following death of Pope Francis
Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray was joined at Belfast City Hall by Father Tim Bartlett, who helped to organise Francis's visit to Ireland in 2018, to sign the book which has been opened to the public. Mr Murray said: 'I was saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis just a day after he gave his final Easter blessing at St Peter's Square on Sunday. We can all reflect on the way Pope Francis worked to bring people together from different backgrounds through mutual respect and understanding Micky Murray 'We extend our sympathies and condolences to all those who are mourning Pope Francis's death. 'We can all reflect on the way Pope Francis worked to bring people together from different backgrounds through mutual respect and understanding.' A special meeting of Belfast City Council to mark Francis's death, and to allow members to pay tribute to him and reflect on his legacy, will take place on Thursday at 5pm. Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray passed on sympathies to all those mourning the death of Pope Francis (Belfast City Council/PA) The book of condolence can be signed from Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Belfast City Hall will be illuminated in yellow and white on Saturday evening. An online book of condolence can be signed at The compassion, humility and bravery he exhibited during his papacy had an impact on the lives of so many people locally Lilian Seenoi-Barr Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Lilian Seenoi-Barr has opened books of condolence, including at the Guildhall in Londonderry. She said: 'There has been a huge outpouring of sorrow and grief across Derry and Strabane since Pope Francis' passing on Monday. 'The compassion, humility and bravery he exhibited during his papacy had an impact on the lives of so many people locally and I want to give the public an outlet to record their feelings and sympathy. 'On behalf of the people of Derry and Strabane, I offer our deepest sympathies to Archbishop Eamon Martin, the clergy, and all members of the Catholic Church. 'May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide us toward compassion and unity.' An online book is available at He was a truly great spiritual leader who championed the poor and marginalised and constantly demonstrated remarkable humility and courage Pete Byrne Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairman Pete Byrne said books of condolence will be available for signing for two weeks at the Downshire Civic Centre, Downpatrick, and Newry Town Hall. Arrangements will be made for additional books of condolence for signing at Crossmaglen Community Centre, Dan Rice Hall in Drumaness, Newcastle Centre and Warrenpoint Town Hall. He said: 'The passing of Pope Francis brings profound sorrow across our district. 'He was a truly great spiritual leader who championed the poor and marginalised and constantly demonstrated remarkable humility and courage. 'His message of mercy and inclusion resonated throughout the world. At such a significant time it is important to allow our residents the opportunity to pay their own tributes and respects.' He added: 'My thoughts and prayers are with them, and I am aware that many of our residents will also be reflecting on this sad occasion.'
North Wales Chronicle
23-04-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Books of condolence open across Northern Ireland following death of Pope Francis
Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray was joined at Belfast City Hall by Father Tim Bartlett, who helped to organise Francis's visit to Ireland in 2018, to sign the book which has been opened to the public. Mr Murray said: 'I was saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis just a day after he gave his final Easter blessing at St Peter's Square on Sunday. 'We extend our sympathies and condolences to all those who are mourning Pope Francis's death. 'We can all reflect on the way Pope Francis worked to bring people together from different backgrounds through mutual respect and understanding.' A special meeting of Belfast City Council to mark Francis's death, and to allow members to pay tribute to him and reflect on his legacy, will take place on Thursday at 5pm. The book of condolence can be signed from Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Belfast City Hall will be illuminated in yellow and white on Saturday evening. An online book of condolence can be signed at Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Lilian Seenoi-Barr has opened books of condolence, including at the Guildhall in Londonderry. She said: 'There has been a huge outpouring of sorrow and grief across Derry and Strabane since Pope Francis' passing on Monday. 'The compassion, humility and bravery he exhibited during his papacy had an impact on the lives of so many people locally and I want to give the public an outlet to record their feelings and sympathy. 'On behalf of the people of Derry and Strabane, I offer our deepest sympathies to Archbishop Eamon Martin, the clergy, and all members of the Catholic Church. 'May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide us toward compassion and unity.' An online book is available at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairman Pete Byrne said books of condolence will be available for signing for two weeks at the Downshire Civic Centre, Downpatrick, and Newry Town Hall. Arrangements will be made for additional books of condolence for signing at Crossmaglen Community Centre, Dan Rice Hall in Drumaness, Newcastle Centre and Warrenpoint Town Hall. He said: 'The passing of Pope Francis brings profound sorrow across our district. 'He was a truly great spiritual leader who championed the poor and marginalised and constantly demonstrated remarkable humility and courage. 'His message of mercy and inclusion resonated throughout the world. At such a significant time it is important to allow our residents the opportunity to pay their own tributes and respects.' He added: 'My thoughts and prayers are with them, and I am aware that many of our residents will also be reflecting on this sad occasion.'
Belfast Telegraph
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Belfast's Lord Mayor first to sign newly opened book of condolence for Pope Francis
Micky Murray opened the book alongside Father Tim Bartlett, who was the principal organiser of the late Pope's visit to Ireland in 2018. Speaking as he signed it, the Lord Mayor said: "I was saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis just a day after he gave his final Easter blessing at St Peter's Square on Sunday. "We extend our sympathies and condolences to all those who are mourning Pope Francis's death. "We can all reflect on the way Pope Francis worked to bring people together from different backgrounds through mutual respect and understanding.' A special council meeting has been organised to allow members to pay tribute to Pope Francis and reflect on his legacy. The meeting will take place tomorrow at 5pm The city hall will also be illuminated in yellow and white on Saturday evening to pay tribute to the late pope, who passed away on Easter Monday after a period of illness. An online book of condolences can be signed on Belfast City Council's website. The body of Pope Francis has been placed in St Peter's Basilica for the start of his lying in state, with around 20,000 mourners crowding the square outside. His simple wooden coffin has been positioned low to the ground at his request, breaking with the Vatican's long-standing tradition of placing popes on an elevated catafalque. The first members of the public have now begun filing past the coffin, some crossing themselves or pausing briefly in prayer as they pay their respects. Pope Francis's body goes on public display as mourners gather ahead of funeral The public will be able to continue paying their respects until 7pm (6pm BST) on Friday. The basilica will remain open until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday to accommodate mourners. Francis's funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10am local time in St Peter's Square, with attendance expected from global leaders including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
