The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Final pact of the greatest peacemaker
Funeral: Tributes from all over world
John Hume made peace visible for others even in Northern Ireland’s darkest moments, his funeral has been told.
Mourners heard that the former SDLP leader and Nobel laureate saved the lives of others through his vision and work.
During his funeral at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Londonderry yesterday, Mr Hume was described as a man who made his family “laugh, dream and think”.
Father Paul Farren said Mr Hume gave his life for his country.
In his homily, he said Mr Hume never lost faith in peace, nor faith in his ability to convince others that peace was the only way.
Father Farren said John and his wife Pat have secured their place in the history of Ireland.
Mr Hume’s son John Hume Jun said his dad was a Derryman to his core.
Mr Hume added: “If dad were here today he wouldn’t waste the opportunity to say a few words.
“He’d talk about our common humanity, the need to respect diversity and difference, to protect and deepen democracy, to value education and to place non-violence at the absolute centre.”
Messages were also read from former US president Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and U2 singer Bono.
Among the dignitaries were Ireland’s President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill. A poem written by Aidan Hume, Mr Hume’s son, was read by his sister Mo Hume. Aidan, who is based in Boston, was not able to attend because of Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Pope Francis also paid tribute to Mr Hume.
A statement from the Vatican said: “His Holiness is mindful of the Christian faith that inspired John Hume’s untiring efforts to promote dialogue, reconciliation and peace among the people of Northern Ireland.”
A message from the Dalai Lama was also read. It said: “His deep conviction in the power of dialogue in resolving the problem in his homeland has been an example of non-violent resolution of issues.”
Mr Hume, who died on Monday at the age of 83 after a battle with dementia, was a key architect of the Good Friday Agreement and played a pivotal role in ending the worst of his country’s sectarian conflict.