OPINIONS: Laois public share their thoughts on the late Pope Francis
Anna May McHugh and others give their views as the Catholic world mourns deceased Pope
As the late Pope Francis lies in state ahead of his funeral in The Vatican, we asked some Laois people at the Laois Live Well Expo what their views are of the deceased pontiff.
"I never met him but I was in the audience in Croke Park when he visited in 2018. I thought it was a lovely way for Pope Francis to die, he first came out and blessed everybody and said goodbye to the people on Easter Sunday. There's no doubt about that.
"He was a very pleasant Pope. I am glad he didn't suffer. I can't say enough about him, we loved him. He had great time for women, an appreciation and acknowledgement of that. He was very humble. So much that when he was in Dublin he went to visit the soup kitchen. He was great to the poor. He didn't want all the grandour, he had time for everybody," Ms McHugh said.
"I thought he was a very good pope. A very humble man. I really admired his interest and passion for the environment and the planet. he published a Humanae Vitae on caring for the planet. He cared for the underprivileged and migrants. There is still work to be done, for women in the church. I'd like to have seen more there, but hopefully he started it. He was quite inclusive," she said.
"He was a humble, kind hearted man. A symbol of peace and of love," he said.
Joe Grant is also from Portlaoise.
John Grant.
Sheila Dunne is from Killenard.
"I thought Pope Frances was a beautiful Pope. He was so good to the poor.
Marie Lacey is also from Luggacurran.
"He should have done more about child abuse. I know he was at the top but it starts at the top. He did know what was going on and he didn't do enough. Or for women priests. Women would be very good in the church. They should be priests, why not? They are part of the church but they have no power, sure that's no good," she said.
Ber Kearney is from Mountmellick.
Grainne Kelly described him a "a people's Pope".
Colm Kennedy is from Portlaoise.
Aoife Kendellen is from Barrowhouse.
Adam Dunne is from Abbeyleix.
"I'm not religous, but he was quite a good Pope, quite progressive. He didn't condemn same sex relationships. As I understand he still considered it sinful but he accepted and loved LGBT people. That is very important for the church to teach and preach these days. I hope the next Pope is as progressive as he is and not regressive," he said.