‘He was a beacon... he was always for the poor': People of NI remember ‘compassionate' Pope Francis
Some of the faithful speculated the aging head of the Catholic Church had held on until Easter Monday — one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar.
Father Gary Donegan of Holy Cross in Ardoyne spoke of Francis' humble nature.
He said: 'It was something we were expecting. With him bestowing a blessing on people last night, it was like he was planning his own death.
'When he was sworn in as pope, someone brought him the vestments, and he joked: 'If you want, you can wear them'.
Pope Francis Dies at 88, Vatican Announces
'When he came out to greet the people, he said: 'Pray for me'.
'It was the most simple beginning to a most wonderful papacy... going on the buses with the cardinals in their red, he wore his simple white.
'At this moment in the whole world, with the lack of statesmanship in leaders, he was a beacon. He was so compassionate — he was all-encompassing.'
In churches across the city Catholics offered their prayers, lighting candles in memory of the Argentinian pontiff.
The faithful came and went at Clonard Monastery, among them Martin White.
He said: 'I was surprised (at his death), because I did see him on TV on Easter Sunday.
'What I am doing at the minute is praying a Divine Mercy. It starts on Good Friday and ends on Saturday this week.
'I heard about his passing this morning, so I decided to come up here for an extra half-hour to pray.
'He was very good, he was always for the poor.
'The day he started his new job, he went to his residence, but he said 'no', he wanted something small.
'He didn't dress up in fancy clothes, he didn't drive a fancy car, he was for the people.'
Also at Clonard Monastery was John, who didn't wish to give his surname.
He said: 'He was giving blessings on Easter Sunday, and he passed away 24 hours later.
'It shows how much his faith meant to him, and how much it meant to the people to see him out and about.'
Following Easter Monday Mass at St Malachy's, Carrol Black said she had been 'shocked' by news of the pope's passing.
She added: 'I am saddened and now I just hope he is at peace — I am sure he is at peace with God.
'He was a very humble man. I think his legacy will be of his faith, of him looking more into climate change, to the poor, to those on the margins, and a legacy of peace and love for one another.'
Also at St Malachy's Church was Arthur Peters.
He said: 'He did an awful lot for the unity of the church and for the LGBT community — he has been a very welcoming pope. That is very important to a lot of people.
'It doesn't matter where you stand on the matter, the church is for everyone, not just for certain people.
'He was, across the board, one of the good ones.
'I think we are seeing a lot of young men joining the church now. I'm from England, so it is happening over there as well.'
Catholic Primate Eamon Martin described Francis' papacy as a 'profound gift'.
The Archbishop of Armagh added: 'There was something different about this pope, who came to us 12 years ago from 'the ends of the world'.
'On that very first night when he stood on the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica, our hearts were moved as he greeted the people with a simple 'Buonasera', and asked us to pray for the Lord to bless him.'
Bishop of Down and Connor Alan McGuckian took to social media to post: 'It is with great sadness that I received news earlier this morning that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has died.
'I know that my sorrow will be shared by many people across the Diocese of Down and Connor, and across the world, who were inspired by the humility and humanity of Pope Francis.
'Pope Francis exercised this ministry of hope, a hope that was firmly grounded in the assured presence of the risen Christ.'
Bishop McGuckian added: 'I know that parishioners across the Diocese of Down and Connor will now be praying that, with the Risen Christ of Easter, Pope Francis will be received into the loving arms of God.'
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