John Hume’s wife Pat (left) and daughter.
Photo: Stephen Latimer Pope Francis has hailed John Hume’s tireless commitment to the peace process. In a message read at Mr Hume’s funeral in Derry, the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said that the Pope was saddened to hear that Mr Hume (83) had died on August 3.
“Mindful of the Christian Faith that inspired John Hume’s untiring efforts to promote dialogue, reconciliation and peace among the people of Northern Ireland, His Holiness commends his noble soul to the loving mercy of Almighty God,” the message said.
At the funeral Mass mourners – who included President Michael D. Higgins as well as the North’s First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill – observed physical distancing in line with Covid-19 guidelines.
In his homily, Fr Paul Farren praised Mr Hume’s single-mindedness when it came to the pursuit of justice. “In a time in our world when often small mindedness and self-focus seems to be the driver John never put anybody or any specific group first. He put everybody first.
“He didn’t focus on difference and division. He focused on unity and peace and giving that dignity to every person,” Fr Farren said.
Support
He also offered prayers for Mr Hume’s wife, Pat. Fr Farren said that Mrs Hume “stood behind John to defend him and support him. She stood beside him to love him and accompany him even in the most difficult times and when his health failed and his mind got weaker she walked in front of him to lead him.
“Pat encircled John with love, compassion and support and it was your presence that made his work possible. When the history of Ireland is written if Pat Hume’s name is not beside John’s it will be an incomplete history,” he told mourners in St Eugene’s Cathedral.