State commemoration of the Pope's death

[Libero]

Sharp nail that he is, Bertie has been down the Pro-Cathedral today for the service for the Pope.

The place was packed with about 1000 people - showing that for all the changes in Irish society there are many committed Catholics still dedicated to their religion and Church.

So how should the State commemorate the passing of His Holiness Pope John Paul II?

At the time of posting, he isn't dead yet but looks to be in his final hours. I'm sure he will meet his end with bravery and dignity.

My own view is that he is head of a major world religion and head of state of the Vatican. But that doesn't mean that a secular state should acknowledge his death in inappropriate ways.

I feel that having a national day of mourning and flying flags at half-mast would be rather sectarian since we wouldn't do it for any other religion.

There are many ways in which individual politicians and parties can express their feelings without dragging the state itself into things. The temptation will be there though to suck up to public sentiment and bend the knee. I hope they resist that, but the temptation may be too much.

This may or may not be a hot topic in the days ahead.
What are the thoughts of others?

[Pidge]

I'd have to agree. Individual politicians can express their sympathies and he can be mourned by the state like any other leader of a nation.

[Gladstone]

The President should express her sympthy on behalf of the Irish people and attend the funeral (he is technically a head of state).

No flags fly at half mast.

Leaders attend masses in their personal capacity only.

[Bogwarrior]

There should be a Day of Mourning. The Pope was more than the Head of Catholics, he was a tireless worker for peace, and humanitarian. Since his time in the Polish Army, during WW2, he fought against Fascism, later he stood up to Communism, and more recently against American Imperialism in Iraq.He apologized to the Orthodox Church for past wrongs, and reached out to Muslims. Though not faultless, you don't have to be a Catholic to honour the man.

[eurocrat]

If we can fly flags at half mast for the Queen mother im sure we can do the same for Pope John Paul.

[Trojanhorse]

hear hear

[Bogwarrior]

The President should express her sympthy on behalf of the Irish people and attend the funeral (he is technically a head of state).

No flags fly at half mast.

Leaders attend masses in their personal capacity only.

Didn't Leinster House lower their flag for the Princess of Tarts, Diana?

[Gladstone]

I suppose it would be double standerds not to then..

[willy_wallace]

surely paisley would have to celebrate the passing of the 'anti-christ'

wouldn't that make sense. i hope someone pops a microphone in front of him.

[eurocrat]

Remember we enjoy diplomatic relations with the Holy See as well as Pope John Paul being the spirtual leader of 3.5 million Irish people.