Death of Pope Francis evokes sadness in Mayo and Knock
Pope Francis pictured during his 2018 visit to Ireland.
There is great sadness following the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
He was 88 and had been recovering from a serious bout of double pneumonia.
Pope Francis visited Knock Shrine in August 2018 as part of his visit to Ireland.
The Pontiff touched down in the rain at Ireland West Airport where he was greeted by children from nearby national schools and local dignitaries.
He shared a wave and a smile as he made a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine where thousands braved the elements to see him.
Following his visit to the Shrine, the Pope even made time to sign a Mayo GAA jersey.
Audrey Elliott, who works in the marketing team at the airport, handed the football jersey to the Pontiff and speaking afterwards, she said she hopes the "curse" of the team is now gone.
Knock Shrine paid tribute to the late Pope this morning.
“It is with profound sadness that we heard this morning of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis,” Knock Shrine stated on its Facebook page.
Knock Shrine said it was honour to host Pope Francis.
“It was a great honour for us to welcome him to Knock Shrine in 2018. When he sat in silent prayer in the Apparition Chapel, the hushed reverence that descended on the large crowd who had gathered for the occasion, was a special moment in the history of the Shrine.
“When Pope Francis elevated the status of Knock Shrine in 2021, he emphasised that 'the elevation of the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock to an International Sanctuary of Special Eucharistic and Marian Devotion is a great responsibility. You accept to always have your arms wide open as a sign of welcome to every pilgrim who may arrive from any part of the world, asking nothing in return but only recognizing him as a brother or a sister who desires to share the same experience of fraternal prayer'.
“We thank God and Our Lady for the life and legacy of Pope Francis and we will pray for the happy repose of his soul at all of our daily Masses. May his gentle soul rest in peace,” the statement concluded.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that Pope Francis' legacy is "his message of peace, reconciliation, and solidarity that lives in the hearts of those he inspired".
In a statement, the Fianna Fáil leader said that Pope Francis "long and distinguished papacy was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity".
"He spoke out for the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed. His solidarity with refugees, his calls for climate action, and his insistence on global peace and equality set him apart as a champion of justice in the modern world.
