REMEMBERING POPE FRANCIS ON HIS FIRST ANNIVERSARY
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Tuesday, 21 April 2026, marked the first anniversary of the passing of Pope Francis. Across Ireland, the Church marked the day in a number of ways, remembering both his ministry and connection with the island.
In Armagh, Archbishop Eamon Martin celebrated Mass in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. Reflecting on Pope Francis’s 2018 visit, the Primate said:
“I can’t forget the joy on the face of Pope Francis as his ‘pope-mobile’ entered Croke Park for the Festival of Families in August 2018. The pope was late because his private meeting with survivors of abuse had run over time. It was especially poignant then, that just as the Holy Father arrived into the packed stadium, Patrick Bergin and the festival choir were singing the chorus of Leonard Cohen‘s Anthem:
‘Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.'”
In the Archdiocese of Dublin, Bishop Paul Dempsey shared on social media, “Remembering #PopeFrancis RIP on this first anniversary of his passing. I was privileged to meet him on 8 September 2022. May he enjoy his eternal rewards with the Lord in his heavenly home.”
The Diocese of Killaloe also marked the anniversary on social media with the post, “Today we remember Pope Francis (1936–2025) on his first anniversary – a shepherd of humility, mercy, and care for the poor and our common home. Rest in peace, Holy Father. #PopeFrancis #InMemoriam #FaithfulService #KillaloeDiocese.”
For millions of people in Ireland, the 2018 visit by Pope Francis to Ireland, for the IX World Meeting of Families, remains a faith enriching experience and lasting memory that will be cherished for a lifetime.
See video highlights above of the two-day visit by Pope Francis, over 25 and 26 August 2018, to the IX World Meeting of Families gathering in Ireland.
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