McAleese leads tributes

President's reaction: President Mary McAleese said the death of Pope John Paul II marked the ending of an extraordinary life that must be celebrated, even in mourning.

The President described the Pope as "a pillar of the modern world for more than a generation", serving the Catholic Church and the wider cause of all humanity.

"The story of Pope John Paul II is that of a man of immense faith and conviction and, in latter years, great personal courage," said Mrs McAleese, who praised his ability to engage "with human culture and civilisation in every aspect and in every corner of the world".

"His trust in the future, his never-wavering commitment to the worth of each human life and his witness under the burden of personal suffering constituted a sign of great value in the modern age."

Mrs McAleese said she considered it a wonderful privilege to have met the Pope in person in her capacity as President of Ireland and she noted that in the final years of his life it had been the Pope's ambition to return to Ireland.

While the influence of Pope John Paul II on European history was already evident, Mrs McAleese said Irish people could be proud that he was the first Pope to visit Ireland.

"Pope John Paul II laboured long and fruitfully in the vineyard of this world."