President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and Tánaiste Simon Harris are all set to attend the funeral for Pope Francis this Saturday, April 26.
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed with IrishCentral on Tuesday afternoon that Ireland will be represented at the funeral of Pope Francis by the President, Taoiseach, and Tánaiste.
The three Irish leaders are set to join a host of other world leaders who will descend upon Rome to pay their respects to the Pontiff, who died on Monday at 88 years old.
"Unfinished business"
Earlier on Tuesday, President Higgins and his wife Sabina signed the book of condolences for Pope Francis in the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin.
President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina this afternoon signed the Book of Condolences for His Holiness Pope Francis in the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin pic.twitter.com/2dmnW7PaRC
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) April 22, 2025
“I thought of the times we have met and the discussions we had, his ability to embrace the suffering, particularly those who are marginalised," the President said afterward, according to the PA.
“I noted in the way his vision was wider than many people in politics and public life.
The President described the Pope's 2018 visit to Ireland as “very warm."
“We were all very, very pleased, the President said, adding: "I think I met him five times, and I value and appreciate all of those conversations."
He added: “We were very fortunate in having such a wonderful pope.”
Higgins continued: “I think it’s very appropriate as president of Ireland that I would communicate the appreciation of all of the people of Ireland for the generosity of his life, given right until the very last moments of his life.
“For that reason, I will miss very, very much the statements, all of those documents, which were documents of inclusion. I did say, as well, there was unfinished business that I hope that those who follow him will build on the steps he was able to take.
“I remember, as we finished in some of the conversations, he would say that before asking for prayer and offer, he would say, it’s very difficult.”
In September 2021, Pope Francis described President Higgins as a "wise man of today" and said that Ireland was fortunate to have such a wise leader as its head of state.
President Higgins signed the book of condolences for Pope Francis, thanking him “for both his life and his work”. He confirmed he will attend the funeral in the Vatican, joined by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.#VMNews pic.twitter.com/hiUMCT7ymX
— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) April 22, 2025
'Led our Catholic Church with compassion'
Tánaiste Simon Harris said on Tuesday that on Saturday, he will join the official Irish delegation at the funeral for Pope Francis.
Harris said Pope Francis led the Catholic Church "with compassion."
On Saturday I will join the official Irish delegation to the funeral of Pope Francis. We will be there to pay tribute to a man who led our Catholic Church with compassion & more broadly a global leader who challenged us all to do better on the big issues of our time #PopeFrancis
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 22, 2025
Funeral for Pope Francis confirmed
On Tuesday, the day after the Pope's death was announced, Vatican officials confirmed arrangements for the funeral.
Pope Francis will lie in state for three days at St. Peter's Basilica, which will remain open to those who wish to pay their respects from 11 am to midnight on Wednesday, 7 am to midnight on Thursday, and 7 am to 7 pm on Friday.
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be held at 10 am on Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter's Basilica.
The Vatican noted that Saturday is the first day of the Novendiali, the nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis' soul.
According to the Associated Press, the night before the funeral, Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, a native of Dublin, is set to preside over the closing and sealing of Pope Francis' coffin, in the presence of other senior cardinals. A white cloth is placed over the Pope’s face.
On Saturday, the funeral liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops are permitted to concelebrate.
The Vatican said that at the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, the Ultimo commendatio, or concluding prayer, and Valedictio, or formal farewell, will take place.
The coffin of Pope Francis will be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica, and from there to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial, as per the Pope's indications.
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