Overview

• Pope Francis, known for his advocacy for the poor and marginalized, passed away on Easter Monday at age 88 after battling illnesses, including pneumonia.
• Michelle O’Neill, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, confirmed she will attend the funeral, cutting short a family holiday to pay respects on behalf of her constituents.
• The funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 9am UK time in St Peter’s Square, with world leaders including US President Donald Trump and Irish premier Micheal Martin expected to attend.
• Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh highlighted Pope Francis’s alignment with St Francis of Assisi’s values, emphasizing his focus on the marginalized and his moral stance on climate change and social justice.
• The Northern Ireland Assembly will resume after the Easter break to formally pay tribute to Pope Francis, reflecting on his close interest in the Good Friday Agreement and peace efforts.