The Diocese of Cork and Ross says the death of Pope Francis has come as a huge shock.
His funeral will take place on Saturday morning in the square at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City at 9am Irish time.
Speaking to RedFM News, Bishop Fintan Gavin says the Pope's leadership had a huge impact around the world:
"We all woke yesterday to the shock of Pope Francis' death. It's hard to believe you get so used to his papacy, he's been Pope for the last 12 years. He brought so much to his role as Pope and indeed to the church throughout the world. He brought a lot of leadership on so many different issues."
