The Bishop of Killaloe has expressed great sadness at the passing of Pope Francis this Easter Week.
Having been appointed bishop of Killaloe by him in 2016 Bishop Fintan Monahan had the opportunity of meet the Pope soon afterwards, during the course for new bishops in Rome.
Bishop Monahan said: “I met him again for the occasion of the Ad Limina visit of the Irish Bishops in January 2017 and of course during his visit to Ireland for World meeting of families in 2018. Even though he didn’t have much English he exuded warmth, friendliness and pastoral zeal. It was humbling to hear him on each occasion to ask for prayers for him personally as he exercised his mission.”
“Since his appointment as Holy Father in 2013 he has had a profound impact on the whole world as a spiritual leader and humble pastor. From the simple greeting, moments after his appointment along with his warm smile and asking people to pray for him he won over the hearts of so many. This was matched with a quiet and steely determination to embark on a mission of gentle reform in the Church. One of the many traditional names for the Holy Father is Pontifex, Bridge Builder and Pope Francis certainly endeavoured to be that with all determination, personal charisma and pastoral skill,” Bishop Monahan said.
“In choosing the name Francis, we got a strong indication that his papacy would be one of preferential option for the poor, the marginalised and those in trouble. His enthusiasm and missionary spirit was revealed in his first big communication, The Joy of the Gospel.
The fact that he chose to have an extraordinary jubilee year of Mercy soon after set the tone revealing his image of God. It was little wonder following on from that that he chose hope as the theme for the scheduled jubilee this year. I am honoured this year to be the Irish Bishops’ nominee to be delegate for encouraging the celebration of the Year of Hope.
Since it began with the opening of the Holy Door by Pope Francis I have seen the positive way people have engaged with the great virtue of hope in the diocese and beyond and the great consolation it has given. The last major publication of the Pontif, his autobiography was entitled just that; Hope. The mark of the man!”
Bishop Monahan added: “A deeply prayerful and spiritual man Pope Francis had a great devotion to Our Lady, popularising the devotion to Our Lady, Untier of Knots, to St. Joseph, the devotion to the Sleeping St. Joseph and also the Sacred Heart, his last encyclical being Dilexit Nos, He Loved us!
Care for the environment, emigrants, refugees, safeguarding children, peace, ecumenism, interfaith dialogue and the synodal way of being Church were to the foremost of his agenda during the fruitful papacy of Francis.
His spiritual and pastoral legacy is immense, and he will be sadly missed. The light of heaven to him and may he rest in peace! Sympathies and condolences to all who mourn his loss.”
Speaking to Newsnation today about the passing of Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/0wdBqjH44t
— Colm Flynn (@colmflynnire) April 21, 2025