RETIRED Bishop of Derry Edward Daly has been described as "a man of God and a man of the people" following his death at the age of 82.
The bishop, whose photograph became the iconic image of Bloody Sunday in 1972, had been ill in hospital and died the early hours of Monday morning.
As tributes poured in for Bishop Daly, who was from Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, President Michael D Higgins said he would be remembered for his peaceful, compassionate, humanitarian and courageous actions on Bloody Sunday.
“This was but one part of the great contribution that was his life of service to the citizens of Derry, including as it did his leadership in the tasks of regeneration and his work with the hospice movement in the later part of his life,” he said.
Former SDLP leader, John Hume and his wife, Pat described Dr Daly as a “dear friend.”
Mrs Hume said: “Always a beacon of light and with a warm and reassuring presence, he was a great source of strength to us in difficult times as he has been to countless others.”
Deputy first minister, Martin McGuinness described Bishop Daly as “a man of authentic faith.”
“Bishop Daly was a strong supporter of the peace process who spoke out strongly against injustice and violence and was very supportive to me personally in my role in the peace process and the development of the institutions.”
First minister, Arlene Foster said Dr Daly devoted his life to serving others.
“During the darker moments of our recent past, Dr Daly made a significant contribution by arguing that violence should be rejected and by articulating a vision based on respect and tolerance,” she said.
SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood described Bishop Daly as the “people’s bishop.”
“He was part of the people and that is why they in turn welcomed him into their trust,” he said.
Foyle MP Mark Durkan said everyone was blessed by Bishop Daly’s pastoral leadership while Secretary of State James Brokenshire said he was an iconic figure in civic life.
Catholic primate Archbishop of Armagh Dr Eamon Martin, who was ordained by Dr Daly in 1987, said Bishop Daly “spent himself” in the service of others.
"He was a gentle shepherd whose immense contribution to the spiritual and moral well-being of the people of the Derry diocese during a troubled time shall never be forgotten," he said.
Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown said Dr Daly served without any concern for himself. "His ministry was characterised by his deep love of the people of this diocese, his dedicated visitation of parishes and his constant availability to others,” Bishop McKeown said.
Other leaders from Christian denominations added their tributes. Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Ken Good described Dr Daly as a man of great strength, courage and compassion while President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Billy Mullally said Bishop Daly was a man of peace who never hesitated in denouncing violence from wherever it came.
Retired Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe James Mehaffey said they were firm friends.
"We worked closely together, at home and abroad and the friendship which developed between us was one of the great blessings of my ministry," he said.
"What Bishop Edward and I did together was based on faith, friendship, respect and trust.
"He was a man of God and a man of the people, a great church leader and a remarkable friend."
