Pope Francis funeral: Fermanagh people reflect on life of late Pontiff

The late Pope was laid to rest in Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, with his unconventional choice of resting place serving as a tribute to his devotion to Mary, Mother of God.

This unusual preference made history, as a Pope is typically buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica – making the late Francis’ resting place the first in more than a century to lie outside the Vatican’s borders.

While people all across Fermanagh and beyond mourned his passing, several people with local ties were among the kaleidoscope of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures who travelled to Italy to attend the late Pontiff’s funeral.

Among them were world leaders, religious leaders, members of royal families, and people who had been moved by his teachings – including people from Fermanagh and bordering counties who travelled to Rome over the weekend to pay their respects or take part.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter about their experiences, they each person carried a quiet sadness, yet they were also bright with celebration of the late Francis’ life.

In St. Peter’s Square, James McLoughlin, Youth Ministry Director at Clogher don Óige, stood with his wife, Catherine, and their young son, Michael, having travelled over from Fermanagh.

“Originally, we were coming over for the canonisation mass of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Michael is a big fan of Blessed Carlo,” said Mr. McLoughlin.

Young Michael smiled at the mention of ‘Blessed Carlo Acutis’.

Carlo Acutis was a young teenager devoted to his faith, and he documented miracles online. Sadly, the teenager passed away from leukaemia in 2006.

He was beatified by Pope Francis in October, 2020, paving the way for him to become the first ‘millennial’ saint.

However, with the death of Pope Francis, the canonisation – originally scheduled for April 27 – has been postponed.

Mr. McLoughlin continued: “Obviously, with Monday’s events [Pope Francis’ passing], coming to celebrate Carlo’s life has become a celebration of Pope Francis’ life.

“We are very fortunate and blessed to be here in Rome during his funeral.”

Despite the sadness that lingers, the McLoughlin family is celebrating the life of the late Pope.

“It’s been a time of celebration. We had some really nice chats with people in the line.

“We were able to share some of our stories and encounters from the times we have been in the presence of Pope Francis over the years, at various World Youth days, World Meeting of Families [events] in Dublin.

“It really has been a celebration of his life here, that we are experiencing,” he added.

“We were preparing ourselves for bigger crowds and longer waits, but we have been really fortunate this afternoon, coming in on the first flight this morning.

“It took us just over two hours from when we started lining up to get through the Basilica, to pay our final respects to Pope Francis.”

Fr. Gerry Comiskey, a well-known Border-based priest, also spoke to The Impartial Reporter.

“I was here for several weeks on a study programme at the North American college, and it just ended during Holy Week.

“I had the pleasure of attending all of the Holy Week ceremonies here at St. Peter’s, and I was present on Easter Sunday morning when Pope Francis made his last appearance.

“And then, of course, the world woke up on Monday morning to hear that he had died.”

Fr. Comiskey attended Pope Francis’ Funeral Mass, and shared his thoughts on the occasion.

“It is most impressive, meeting people from all over the world. I just spoke with the Church of England, Archbishop of York [Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell].

“And the enthusiasm he has for Humanism, and for being present for the farewell to the Holy Father, is just beautiful.

“I take away great memories – the joy of knowing so much about Pope Francis, his appeal for justice, his simplicity. In no way was he preoccupied with grandeur.

“And now, even as he is being put into his tomb in Mary Majors, we hear that he has arranged for homeless people around the city to put flowers into his tomb,” added Fr. Comiskey.

Father Aodhán McCrystal, originally from Dromore, Co. Tyrone, spoke to this paper about his time in Rome, and his reflections on the late Pope.

“I just came [to Rome] for Easter; I have been here for 10 days, but last year I was on a sabbatical period, and I was here for four months.

“So, I know the scene pretty well here in the [Pontifical] Irish college.”

Fr. McCrystal shared his thoughts on the Funeral Mass held for Pope Francis last Sunday, April 26.

He said: “I was very moved, because last year, I saw him quite close, and last Sunday I was at his mass on Easter morning.

“But we didn’t see him; he was on a balcony quite close to us.

“On Sunday, I heard him greet us for Easter, then on Monday morning, 20 hours later, he was dead.

“I admired the style of Pope Francis, and his efforts to move the Church forward, so I was quite moved at times, and really felt very privileged to be there altogether,” added Fr. McCrystal.