Bishop Martin Hayes has issued the following statement on the Death of Pope Francis.
We are saddened by the death of Pope Francis. We give thanks for his strong pastoral leadership in making the Gospel message relevant with warmth and compassion to the whole world. He drew our attention to the widening gap between rich and poor, the increasing levels of migration and the harm being done to planet Earth due to the current global economic model. He challenged us to take up our responsibilities of being created by God in interrelationship with each other and with all of creation.
He consistently advocated for the dignity, respect and protection of human life from the moment of conception to it’s natural end. He addressed the abuse crisis within the Church and asked for forgiveness from those hurt by that abuse. As a man of deep faith and prayer he has called us to engage with each other in conversations of faith on a synodal path and a way of walking together as Church dependant on the Holy Spirit.
In responding to the love of God through his personal witness of Christian faith to the end, he has renewed our hope. We entrust Pope Francis to the merciful love of God and pray that he may rest in peace.
