‘He was made of strong stuff’ – Bishop Cullinan pays tribute to Pope Francis

Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan had paid tribute to Pope Francis, who died yesterday morning aged 88.

Bishop Cullinan reflected on his numerous meetings with Pope Francis and the profound influence they had on both his own life and the wider world.

He said: “I am very sad to hear of the death of Pope Francis. I had seen video footage of him as he sat in his wheelchair on that well-known balcony in Saint Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday imparting his blessing to the city and to the world for the last time.

“He was different from his predecessor but then all popes are different and in my adult life I have been very blessed to have met three giants: Pope Saint John Paul, Pope Benedict and Pope Francis.

“I met Pope Francis three times. For me there was something very lovable about him and very warm. He had a great smile. I admired his courage. His gestures to the marginalised were extraordinary.

“I think Pope Francis has helped the world to remember the poor and to keep in mind those whom society can reject. For me he truly was a living example of the saintly man whose name he took."

Bishop Cullinan also commended Pope Francis for the strength and dedication he demonstrated since assuming the papacy in 2013:

“Pope Francis, seemed to me had no problem with saying and doing unpopular things. He was not courting popularity. He was made of strong stuff.

“As he gave the blessing on Easter Sunday I blessed myself too – glad to receive a blessing from this holy man, totally dedicated to God and His Church.

“Having just celebrated the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead I confidently pray that our dear Pope Francis will receive a kindly welcome from the Saviour and that he will rest in peace in the Father’s house.”

Bishop Cullinane also paid tribute to the Pope when speaking on WLRfm, which can be heard here.