Political and religious leaders pay tribute to Pope

Local political and religious leaders have paid tribute to Pope John Paul II who died at the weekend.

The 84-year-old Pontiff died on Saturday after battling with Parkinson’s disease over the past few years.

Secretary of State Paul Murphy expressed his “sincere sorrow” at the news, saying the Pope was a “wonderful example of compassion and humility”.

“His commitment to engage with Christians of all denominations and people of all faiths around the world was a practical demonstration of his personal belief. He was a great leader of the Catholic Church and a towering figure in 20th Century history,” Mr Murphy said.

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said people throughout Ireland had a close affinity with Pope John Paul II.

"Although stricken with Parkinson’s Disease in recent years, Pope John Paul showed huge courage and determination as he continued to travel and to lead the Catholic Church worldwide,” Mr Adams said.

Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble said the Pope would be remembered for his time as a Cardinal in Poland and the Polish Catholic Church’s role in standing up to Communism.

“His 26 years pontificate will undoubtedly be seen as a memorable period for the Catholic Church, and so his passing will be a time of sadness for Roman Catholics across the world,” Mr Trimble added.

DUP leader and Free Presbyterian Minister, Ian Paisley added: “We can understand how Roman Catholics feel at the death of the Pope and we would want in no way to interfere with their expression of sorrow and grief at this time."

Religious leaders, meanwhile, also paid tribute to the Pope.

Archbishop Sean Brady, the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, said Pope John Paul II was a "gentle teacher and a courageous leader".

Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop Robin Eames also conveyed his "deepest sympathy" to the Catholic Church in Ireland while Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ken Newell described the late Pope as a man of "great courage".

Books of condolence have been opened across Northern Ireland to allow people to write their own personal messages of respect for Pope John Paul II.

(MB/SP)