A message from the Pope acknowledging and appreciating Archbishop Noel Treanor’s untiring and committed service was conveyed during his funeral. The previously serving bishop of Down and Connor diocese, who was 73 years old, passed away out of the blue in Brussels earlier this month.
Originally from Co Monaghan, the Archbishop was executing the diplomatic role of apostolic nuncio to the European Union before his demise. His requiem mass on Tuesday saw a throng at St Peter’s Cathedral in west Belfast.
The mourning service witnessed Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, the apostolic nuncio to Ireland, reading a letter from the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. It included sentiments from Pope Francis.
Explaining Pope Francis’ profound condolences at the unexpected demise of Archbishop Treanor, the letter expressed the Pope’s emotional support for his bereaved family, particularly his brother John, sister Mary, and the believing men and women of the diocese.
Emphasising his gratitude for Archbishop Treanor’s dedicated service to the local church and wider Irish community, Pope Francis united all in entrusting his soul to the kind mercy of Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Pope Francis offered his blessing of tranquillity and solace to those attending the Christian burial mass and others mourning the Archbishop’s loss with a steadfast belief in resurrection.
Earlier, Alan McGuckian, the incoming Bishop of Down and Connor, remembered Archbishop Treanor as being a cherished friend to many.
During the memorial Mass of Archbishop Noel, it was highlighted that he was not just an esteemed friend and a family man, but he also made remarkable accomplishments as a priest, bishop, archbishop, and a papal nuncio. Despite such significant roles, we are prompted to bear in mind on this day of his funeral that his baptism and rebirth in Christ hold the utmost importance.
Bishop McGuckian shed light on the archbishop’s profound dedication towards the concept of European unity. This dedication sprouted from his desire to establish a communal culture which promotes life in a context where extreme divisiveness, exemplified to its worst in the horrific events of World War II, exists.
The archbishop had an enduring relationship with the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union, and in the year 2022, Pope Francis appointed him as the apostolic nuncio to the European Union.
The Mass was attended by a variety of high-ranking clergymen from Ireland and elsewhere such as Archbishop Eamon Martin, the head of the Catholic church in Ireland. Dignitaries including representatives of Irish President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Simon Harris were present, along with Ireland’s European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness.