Mags GarganPope sends telegram offering his condolences
Pope Francis paid tribute to former Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds for his work as a peacemaker, as he was buried in Dublin this week following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Pontiff sent a telegram, which was read by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin at the Funeral Mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook on Monday, in which Pope Francis expressed his sadness on hearing the death of Mr Reynolds. The Pope said he recalled with gratitude “the late Taoiseach’s efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Ireland” and that he would pray “for the eternal repose of his soul”. He also offered his condolences to Mrs Kathleen Reynolds and the family, and imparted an Apostolic Blessing on all those gathered for the funeral rites.
Speaking at the funeral Mass, Archbishop Martin also paid tribute to Mr Reynolds’ work to achieve peace in Northern Ireland. “In his life, in his responsibility for the political and economic destiny of those he was called to serve, Albert Reynolds was responsive and creative and determined in his desire to move forward in the search for peace and for a more just, secure and prosperous society,” he said.
Courage
Fr Brian D’Arcy, who presided at the funeral Mass and is a long-term friend of the family, said Mr Reynolds had the courage to risk everything for peace because he knew nothing worth having was reached from an “island of safety”.
“For him peace was the only battle worth waging. He knew that peace was not achieved by talking to your friends, you must talk to your enemies and make peace with them,” Fr D’Arcy said.
Mr Reynolds’ funeral was concelebrated by a number of clerics, including Bishop Colm O’Reilly, Bishop Emeritus of Ardagh & Clonmacnois (Mr Reynolds’ home diocese), Msgr Lorcan O’Brien, Donnybrook Parish, and Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Michael Jackson was also present.