In Pictures: ‘Deeply moving’ memorial Mass for Pope Francis in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh

by
Kellie Gray
April 25, 2025

Photos by Liam McArdle and Vincent Loughran

A memorial Mass was held in the ecclesiastical capital of Northern Ireland last night to celebrate the life of the late Holy Father, Pope Francis.

Conducted by the All-Ireland Primate, Archbishop Eamon Martin at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh the Mass provided a “deeply moving liturgy” in recognition of the Pope’s “humble and dedicated service to the Church”.

In attendance on the evening were prominent politicians including Mary Lou McDonald, Sorcha Eastwood, Liz Kimmins, Claire Hanna and NI Secretary of State Hilary Benn.

For Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Lord Mayor Sarah Duffy attended alongside Sinn Fein Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon. County Tyrone singer and song-writer, Malachi Cush could also be seen among the congregation.

Commencing the liturgy, Archbishop Martin said: “The prayers and readings of the Easter season are so appropriate remember the Holy Father who died on Easter Monday.

“As you know, he has asked to be buried in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore with the simple inscription ‘Francis’ – the name he chose twelve years ago at his election.

“It caused quite a stir at the time, actually, because no other Pope in the history of the Church had taken the name of such a revered Saint. Inevitably, it would bring comparisons to the beloved Saint Francis of Assisi who had given up everything for a life of radical poverty and humility.”

The Archbishop described to draw comparisons between the Pope and Saint detailing the Pope’s “prioritisation” of the “poor and marginalised”, The “exploited, excluded, forgotten or abused”.

Describing the Pope’s mission during his Papacy as wanting to “reach the hearts of those who were “spiritually poor or felt empty inside”, the Archbishop said he “offered the Gospel as a reason for hoping and living”.

The Mass – which was live streamed for those unable to attend – concluded shortly after 8pm.

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
Mayor Sarah Duffy signs the Book of Condolence
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
N.Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn signs the Book of Condolence
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
Crowds waiting to sign the Book of Condolence
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
Knights of St Columbanus
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
Cathedral Choir
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
Daire Hughes MP, Liz Kimmins MLA, Mary Lou McDonald TD and Lord Mayor Sarah Duffy
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
Archbishop Eamon Martin
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
Archbishop Eamon Martin with Minister Niamh Smyth TD
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
Eamon McNeill, Cllr Thomas O’Hanlon, Claire Hanna MP and Archbishop Eamon Martin
24 April 2025
St Patricks Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com