23/04/2025
Books Of Condolence Opened In Derry And Strabane For Pope Francis
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has opened books of condolence in both Derry and Strabane for the public to express their sympathies following the death of Pope Francis.
The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis, who was elected in March 2013, made a significant visit to Ireland in 2018, becoming only the second pope in history to do so.
The public can leave written messages in the books of condolence located in the reception of Derry's Guildhall and The Alley Theatre in Strabane. An online book of condolence is also available on the Council's website – link below.
Mayor Seenoi-Barr encouraged the public to use the books as an opportunity to express their sympathy and share their personal experiences of the impact of Pope Francis's papacy.
"There has been a huge outpouring of sorrow and grief across Derry and Strabane since Pope Francis' passing on Monday," she said. "The compassion, humility and bravery he exhibited during his papacy had an impact on the lives of so many people locally and I want to give the public an outlet to record their feelings and sympathy.
"On behalf of the people of Derry and Strabane, I offer our deepest sympathies to Archbishop Eamon Martin, the clergy, and all members of the Catholic Church. May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide us toward compassion and unity."
For those unable to sign the books in the Guildhall and The Alley in person, the online book is available here.
The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis, who was elected in March 2013, made a significant visit to Ireland in 2018, becoming only the second pope in history to do so.
The public can leave written messages in the books of condolence located in the reception of Derry's Guildhall and The Alley Theatre in Strabane. An online book of condolence is also available on the Council's website – link below.
"There has been a huge outpouring of sorrow and grief across Derry and Strabane since Pope Francis' passing on Monday," she said. "The compassion, humility and bravery he exhibited during his papacy had an impact on the lives of so many people locally and I want to give the public an outlet to record their feelings and sympathy.
"On behalf of the people of Derry and Strabane, I offer our deepest sympathies to Archbishop Eamon Martin, the clergy, and all members of the Catholic Church. May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide us toward compassion and unity."
For those unable to sign the books in the Guildhall and The Alley in person, the online book is available here.
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