HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT
His Holiness Pope Benedict has sent a telegram to Cardinal Sean Brady, paying tribute to his late predecessor Cardinal Cahal Daly.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal Cahal Daly. I offer heartfelt condolences to you and your auxiliary bishop, to the priests, religious and lay faithful of the archdiocese of Armagh and to all the people of Ireland.
I recall with gratitude Cardinal Daly's long years of devoted pastoral service to the Church as priest, bishop and Primate of All-Ireland, his assistance as a member of the college of cardinals, and especially his sustained efforts in the promotion of justice and peace in Northern Ireland.
In communion with you in the Holy Spirit, I pray that, through the grace of Christ, God our merciful Father may grant him the reward of his labours and welcome his soul into the joy and peace of the Kingdom of Heaven.
To all gathered for the solemn rites of Christian burial and especially to Cardinal Daly's relatives and friends, I cordially impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and hope in the Lord."
HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL SEAN BRADY
"At a critical and troubled time in Irish history, he was prophetic in his conviction that lasting peace can only be built on justice, mutual understanding and respect for the traditions and aspirations of others.
He was firm and courageous in his absolute rejection of violence as a means of achieving political ends. With leaders of other Christian traditions, his work for reconciliation helped to create the environment and principles upon which a lasting political accommodation was eventually reached."
DIOCESE OF DOWN AND CONOR
In a joint statement Bishop of Down and Connor Noel Treanor, Auxiliary Bishops Anthony Farquhar and Donal McKeown and Bishop Emeritus Patrick Walsh said the former primate of All Ireland had "left a rich legacy as a priest, philosopher and theologian."
"As bishop, he was untiring in his preaching of the word of God, in his espousal of the dignity of human life and in his prophetic pursuit of peace, justice and reconciliation."
"Cardinal Daly's work as a priest and bishop in this Diocese of Down and Connor gave powerful inspiration to his assistant bishops, priests, religious women and men and laity whom he cherished as his fellow workers."
ARCH BISHOP ALAN HARPER, CHURCH OF IRELAND PRIMATE
"During the most challenging of times, the Cardinal gave wise and courageous leadership both as Bishop of Down and Connor and subsequently as Archbishop of Armagh."
DR STAFFARD CARSON, PRESBYTERIAN MODERATOR
"Dr Daly will always be remembered for the huge contribution he made to the developing of better relationships between the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches."
REVEREND DONALD KER, PRESIDENT OF METHODIST CHURCH
"Cardinal Daly was a man of strong principles coupled with a gentle Christian spirit. Among the many things which he accomplished during his long ministry were the steps he undertook to improve understanding between the Christian Churches on this island."
MARY McALEESE, PRESIDENT OF IRELAND
"Cardinal Cahal Daly had a long and distinguished career and will be fondly remembered by many people on this island.
He showed immense courage in his efforts to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Northern Ireland and he was deeply committed to inter-church relations.
He was an outstanding scholar and writer and maintained his academic interests right up to the time of his death."