One of Germany’s most senior Catholic figures, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne, paid tribute to the deceased pope as a “tireless advocate for the weak and marginalized.”
“We will miss his constant reminder of social justice and the preservation of creation as our common home, as well as his impetus for synodal cooperation in the Church and for proclaiming the Gospel to all people,” Woelki said on Monday after Pope Francis died at the age of 88.
Shortly after his death was announced, St Peter’s bell, the largest bell in Cologne Cathedral, rang out as a sign of mourning and sympathy.
Pope Francis delivering a speech in St Patrick’s Hall at Dublin Castle, Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. The head of the Catholic Church, who led 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide since 2013, died on Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. The Argentinian-born pontiff was the first from Latin America. Yui Mok/PA Wire/dpa
Pope Francis speaks during a visit to Knock Holy Shrine, in County Mayo to view the Apparition Chapel and to give the Angelus address, as part of his visit to Ireland. The head of the Catholic Church, who led 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide since 2013, died on Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. The Argentinian-born pontiff was the first from Latin America. Niall Carson/PA Wire/dpa
Pope Francis arrives to attending the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families at Phoenix Park in Dublin, as part of his visit to Ireland. The head of the Catholic Church, who led 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide since 2013, died on Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. The Argentinian-born pontiff was the first from Latin America. Danny Lawson/PA Wire/dpa