Book of Condolence opens at Cavan's Cathedral

The Vatican has confirmed Pope Francis' funeral will be held on Saturday.

A Book of Condolence to the late Pope Francis has been opened to the public at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim.

The Vatican has confirmed that his funeral will be held on Saturday.

According to a short statement, the funeral liturgy in St Peter’s square will be presided by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals.

Following the liturgy, the coffin will be taken into St Peter’s Basilica, and then to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial, as requested.

President Michael D Higgins will sign a book of condolences for Pope Francis at the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin later today, the location of the diplomatic mission of the Vatican to Ireland.

President Higgins is also expected to attend Pope Francis's funeral in Rome.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is also expected to attend.

The Italian government has declared five days of mourning after pope’s death on Monday, said to have been caused by a stroke which then led to heart failure.

Here at home Bishop Martin Hayes, Bishop-Emeritus Leo O'Reilly, the priests, deacons, religious and lay people of all ages in the Diocese of Kilmore have begun to mourn the passing of the Holy Father in his 89th year.

Bishop Hayes said that in life His Holiness challenged people by drawing their attention to the “widening gap between rich and poor, the increasing levels of migration and the harm being done to planet Earth due to the current global economic model. He challenged us to take up our responsibilities of being created by God in interrelationship with each other and with all of creation.”

Bishop Hayes added: “He consistently advocated for the dignity, respect and protection of human life from the moment of conception to it’s natural end.

“He addressed the abuse crisis within the Church and asked for forgiveness from those hurt by that abuse.

“As a man of deep faith and prayer he has called us to engage with each other in conversations of faith on a synodal path and a way of walking together as Church dependant on the Holy Spirit. In responding to the love of God through his personal witness of Christian faith to the end, he has renewed our hope.”

At the cathedral in Cavan Town, Fr Kevin Fay says there has been an outpouring of sadness since news first broke on Monday morning.

The repose of his soul was prayed for at morning mass, and Fr Kevin reflects: “People have spoken very highly of Pope Francis. He was a very humble man and he'll be greatly missed. He did try to change things in the church for the good. He'll be remembered for that.

“He was very progressive, especially with the whole thinking around synodality, bringing lay people into the church and getting them involved. He recognised the value of women in the church also.”