Mayor opens books of condolence for Pope Francis in Derry and Strabane
23 April 2025
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has opened books of condolence in Derry and Strabane for Pope Francis.
The 88 year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
He was elected in March 2013 and in 2018 became only the second pope in history to visit Ireland.
The public can leave a written message in the books located in the reception of Derry’s Guildhall and The Alley Theatre in Strabane while an online book is also available on Council’s website.
Mayor Barr encouraged the public to use the books as an opportunity to express their sympathy and share their personal experience of what his papacy meant to them.
“There has been a huge outpouring of sorrow and grief across Derry and Strabane since Pope Francis’ passing on Monday,” she said.
“The compassion, humility and bravery he exhibited during his papacy had an impact on the lives of so many people locally and I want to give the public an outlet to record their feelings and sympathy.
“On behalf of the people of Derry and Strabane, I offer our deepest sympathies to Archbishop Eamon Martin, the clergy, and all members of the Catholic Church.
“May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide us toward compassion and unity.”
For those unable to sign the books in the Guildhall and The Alley in person, the online book is available here