Press Releases02 Apr 05

Statement by Archbishop Eames on the death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II

I wish to convey to my colleague, Archbishop Sean Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland and to all the bishops, clergy and people of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland the deepest sympathy of the Church of Ireland on the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

As our Roman Catholic friends mourn his death we assure them of our thoughts and prayers at this sad time for their world-wide Church.

Pope John Paul showed immense personal courage in fulfilling his duties when it was so obvious his health was failing. That courage together with a powerful intellect and constant devotion to duty throughout his long Pontificate assured him of a significant place in history.

In the period of adjustment and election which now faces the Roman Catholic Church I pray that Almighty God will strengthen and guide those who have such heavy responsibilities for the future of their Church.