President booked to represent us in Rome

Party leaders set to attend pontiff's funeral

- BY LOUISE BURNE

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins will be among the world leaders attending the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday in Rome.

He will be accompanied by his wife Sabina.

Taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin will attend alongside Tanaiste, Foreign Affairs Minister and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris.

A Sinn Fein spokesman could not confirm to The Star last night whether the party would have any representation at the funeral.

Yesterday, President Higgins and Mrs Higgins signed the Book of Condolences for Pope Francis in the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin.

Speaking afterwards, he said that, on behalf of the people of Ireland, he thanked Pope Francis for work and his example on "embracing the most important issues".

ISSUES

He said: "Issues that are at the future of our humanity together in relation to climate change, in relation to global poverty, in relation to his particular interest in the welfare of migrants.

"I thought of the times we have met and the discussions we had, his ability to embrace the suffering, particularly those who are marginalised.

"I noted in the way his vision was wider than many people in politics and public life."

Mr Higgins described Francis' trip to Ireland in August 2018 as a "very warm visit".

He added: "I think it's very appropriate as president of Ireland that I would communicate the appreciation of all the people of Ireland for the generosity of his life, given right until the very last moments of his life.