Statement on the death of Pope Francis by Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan:
“Pope Francis embodied humility, compassion and charity. He was a champion for the marginalised and the poor, a powerful advocate for migrants and a fierce opponent of war.
“His support for social and economic justice was particularly notable. Pope Francis consistently highlighted gross inequalities across the world and criticised economic systems that failed so many people. He also sought to repair the Church’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community.
“Pope Francis used his trip to Ireland in 2018 to address the scandal of child sexual abuse within the Church – acknowledging abuses of power, conscience and sexual abuse.
“To the end, Pope Francis was promoting peace and justice. In his final Easter Sunday address, the day before he died, Pope Francis made an impassioned plea for a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.
“Pope Francis led the Church with decency, empathy and humanity. Ar dheis dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”