Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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2. To ask the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the funeral of Pope Francis. [26079/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I attended the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis at St Peter’s Square on Saturday, 26 April as part of the Irish Delegation led by President Higgins.

It was an honour to represent the Government and the people of Ireland at the funeral and to reflect on and appreciate the remarkable achievements of the life of Pope Francis.

Pope Francis had a deep commitment to service. He was a man of great humility who lived his life with an unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity, providing an example to all. He was a voice for the marginalised, the poor, and the migrants.

Pope Francis showed leadership in the church and pursued his vision of a Catholic Church that is open, compassionate, and that does not shy away from the challenges the world faces.

The respect and honour shown to Pope Francis by world leaders and the thousands of people who attended his funeral, and the many millions across the world who viewed it, was a testament to the high regard to which he was held.