Pope Francis has expressed his condolences and has conveyed his prayers to the loved ones of a former Irish prime minister.
In a telegram sent Tuesday by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Holy Father, to the family of former Irish PM Albert Reynolds, the Pope prayed for the eternal repose of the late politician’s soul.
Reynolds, who died Aug. 21 at age 81, is known for advancing the peace process in Northern Ireland, including the historic Irish Republican Army ceasefire in 1994. Through two coalition governments, he led Fianna Fail, Ireland’s main Republican Party. From February 1992 to December 1994, he served as Irish prime minister.
Below is the text of Pope Francis’ message read by Archbishop Martin at the former PM’s Funeral Mass on 25 August 2014:
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The Most Reverend Diarmuid Martin
Archbishop of Dublin
The Holy Father learned with sadness of the death of the former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, and he asks you kindly to convey his condolences to Mrs. Reynolds and their children and family. Recalling with gratitude the late Taoiseach’s efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Ireland, His Holiness prays for the eternal repose of his soul. To all those gathered for the funeral rites, the Holy Father imparts his Apostolic Blessing, as a pledge of consolation and hope in the Risen Lord.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
[Original Text: English]
