Anger in Cork at City Council's decision not to open a book of condolence for Pope Francis
Independent Ireland Deputy Ken O'Flynn says a decision taken by Cork City Council not to open a Book of Condolence for Pope Francis is generating real hurt and disappointment among residents, 'many of whom who feel that it reflects a stunning lack of generosity and respect at a time when political leaders across the world are uniting to praise the legacy of the Pontiff' who died on Monday.
'There is simply no reason why Cork City Council cannot follow the example of City Councils elsewhere in the country who have opened a Book of Condolence- especially for people who live on the south side of the city,' said O'Flynn on the decision by the council, following the death of the Pope, who met the then-Lord Mayor of the city Tony Fitzgerald in 2018.
'I am aware that a Book of Condolence will be available at the Cathedral and that is right and proper. But we must recall that Pope Francis was not just a beloved spiritual leader to billions of Catholics, he was also a head of state, who wielded his enormous public influence across the globe and here in Ireland for the common good of the most disadvantaged.
'It is incredible that Cork City Council felt it could just ignore this political and diplomatic reality. Its failure to provide the bare minimum in terms of respect is deeply regrettable.
'I want to know how the Council arrived at this decision. Was it proposed and rejected? If so, I want to know by whom. Did it even make on to the agenda?
'The decision not to proceed with making a Book of Condolence available must be reversed immediately.'
In 2005, thousands queued on the morning of Tuesday, April 5, 2005, to sign books of condolences for the former Pope John Paul II in Cork. Unlike now, two books of condolences were available in the city, both at the Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, but also at Cork City Hall.
Then Lord Mayor Seán Martin was the first to sign the book at City Hall, which was left open for the week following his death.
However, current Lord Mayor Dan Boyle has told the Irish Independent that he was informed by City Hall that protocol is not to open a book of condolence, and instead it's to encourage the public to sign the Book of Condolence that has been opened at St Mary's Cathedral.
"First thing yesterday I checked with Corporate Affairs in City Hall about protocol on this.
"We consulted with the Diocese of Cork and Ross and agreed that their having a book of condolence was importance. This morning I have signed that Book of Condolence at St. Mary's Cathedral.'
In a statement given today to the Irish Independent, Cork City Council said that the Lord Mayor has sent a letter of condolence on behalf of the people to Bishop Fintan Gavin.
In the letter, the Lord Mayor tells the Bishop that he is 'saddened by the loss of a leader who helped redirect and repurpose the Catholic Church towards more traditional Christian values of helping the displaced and dispossessed.'
"The Lord Mayor's office was in consultation with Bishop Fintan Gavin in relation to a Book of Condolences for the Pope,' the council statement reads.
'A book of condolences has been opened at the Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, Shandon and online. The Lord Mayor attended the cathedral this morning to sign the Book of Condolences and will be encouraging Councillors, and the wider community to sign the Book of Condolences at the cathedral.'
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