Pope Francis mourns death of Bishop Edward Daly

Pope Francis sent a special message expressing his condolences for the death of Bishop Edward Kevin Daly on Thursday, recalling his generous ministry in the service of peace and justice.

The message was read by Mgr Amaury Medina Blanco - Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature to Ireland - at the funeral Mass celebrated for Bishop Daly in St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

Bishop Daly became one of the symbols of the 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland after being photographed holding up a blood-stained handkerchief as he helped a fatally injured protester during the 1972 Bloody Sunday killings in Derry when 14 people were shot dead by British troops.

The special message of condolence from Pope Francis is below:

The Holy Father was saddened to learn of the death of the Most Reverend Edward Kevin Daly, Bishop Emeritus of Derry, and he sends heartfelt condolences to his family and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese. Recalling Bishop Daly's generous and dedicated episcopal ministry in the service of peace and justice, His Holiness joins you in prayerful thanksgiving for his life and in commending his soul to the merciful love of God Our Father. To all who mourn the late Bishop's passing, Pope Francis cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of hope and consolation in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Source: Vatican Radio

See also: ICN 10 August 2016 - The Death of a Good Man - Former Bishop of Derry laid to rest www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=30695

and ICN 8 August 2016 - Ireland: Bishop Edward Daly has died www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=30681