O’Neill praises Pope’s commitment to peace as she confirms funeral attendance

The Sinn Fein vice president has cut short a family holiday to attend Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome.
O’Neill praises Pope’s commitment to peace as she confirms funeral attendance

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has praised Pope Francis’s “unwavering commitment to justice and peace”.

Ms O’Neill has confirmed she will travel to Rome to leaders from across the world for the pontiff’s funeral on Saturday.

The Sinn Féin vice president has cut short a family holiday to attend.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will not be in attendance.

Pope Francis death
Michelle O’Neill has confirmed she will attend the funeral of Pope Francis. Photo: James Manning/PA.

Ms O’Neill said: “I am proud to be attending the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, paying my respects on behalf of everyone at home who cherished his leadership and looked to him as a spiritual and moral guide.

“Pope Francis will be ed as a leader of deep humility, comion and courage, with an unwavering commitment to justice and peace.

“His ing is deeply felt in Ireland and across the world, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire millions.”

Ms O’Neill will political leaders including US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the ceremony.

President Michael D Higgins, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin and Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell will also attend.

The Pope’s funeral is expected to begin at 9 am UK time on Saturday.

Ms O’Neill will travel to Rome later on Friday.

The Northern Ireland Assembly, which is currently on Easter break, will hear tributes to Francis when it returns on Monday.

Francis died on Easter Monday, aged 8,8 after battling illnesses including pneumonia in recent months.

On Easter Sunday, he had blessed thousands of people in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

Tributes were paid from across Northern Ireland, including by Ms O’Neill, Ms Little-Pengelly and Stormont speaker Edwin Poots.

Pope Francis death
The Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin will attend the Pope’s funeral on Saturday. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin, paid tribute during a mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh on Thursday night.

The Archbishop compared the late Pope to his namesake, St Francis of Assisi, by saying he “immediately began to prioritise the poor and the marginalised”.

“Not just those who are financially poor, but everyone who is exploited, excluded, forgotten, or abused,” he said.

“Pope Francis especially wanted to reach the hearts of those who are spiritually poor, those who feel empty inside. To them he offered the joy of the Gospel, a reason for living, a reason for hoping and an invitation to a personal encounter and friendship with Christ.”

More in this section

Councillors express concern about lack of regulations around drone delivery in Dublin Councillors express concern about lack of regulations around drone delivery in Dublin
Justice Minister voices concern over time taken to find Tina Satchwell’s body Justice Minister voices concern over time taken to find Tina Satchwell’s body
Politics watch: Justice Minister under fire over child deportations Politics watch: Justice Minister under fire over child deportations

Sponsored Content

Digital advertising in focus at Irish Examiner’s Lunch & Learn event  Digital advertising in focus at Irish Examiner’s Lunch & Learn event 
Experience a burst of culture with Cork Midsummer Festival  Experience a burst of culture with Cork Midsummer Festival 
How to get involved in Bike Week 2025 How to get involved in Bike Week 2025
Us Cookie Policy and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more