Bishops: Bishop Donal Murray of Limerick said the death of Pope John Paul marked "the end of one of the most remarkable pontificates in the history of the church".
He continued: "We in Limerick, have warm memories of the vigorous man who visited our diocese in the first year of his pontificate." Honouring his memory meant listening again to his challenging words.
In Limerick the Pope "spoke about the importance of roots and about the essential role of the family as 'the primary field of Christian action' for lay Christians. He told us in no uncertain terms that Ireland must choose and that this was a time of testing, a time of decision.
"We can be in no doubt that he would have wished to issue the same challenge if had been able to come to Ireland again. His words are even truer now than when he spoke them in 1979," Dr Murray said.
Bishop Éamonn Walsh, apostolic administrator to Ferns diocese, described Pope John Paul as "a wholesome and gifted man of God. Philosopher, poet, dramatist with an actor's experience, sportsman, communicator - these were among his natural gifts and all were built on a rock solid faith."
He said that "in mourning his passing, we are called to hear afresh his proclaiming of the words of Christ to launch out into the deep and to be not afraid".
Bishop Jim Moriarty of Kildare and Leighlin said: "Since the election of Karol Wojtyla as Pope in 1978, the church has had a leader and shepherd of remarkable compassion, faith and vision.
"As we mourn his passing, we pray with thanksgiving to God for the ministry of Pope John Paul and ask the Lord to welcome him to the company of all the faithful departed."
Bishop William Lee of Waterford and Lismore said: "We are grateful for his honesty, his truthfulness and for his authenticity."
Bishop John Magee of Cloyne, who served as papal secretary in 1978-82, said the Pope had dedicated himself to spreading the message of the Gospel. "He had a very clear mission that he received in his election to be the spokesman of God in the world today and transmitting the content of the Gospel in the vision of the second Vatican Council."
Speaking at Cork airport early yesterday prior to his departure for Rome, Dr Magee revealed that he had booked the flight on Saturday afternoon when he was still hopeful of getting to Rome in time to see the Pope alive.
On hearing the news of the Pope's death on Italian television, "I felt as if there was a blow to my stomach - like any death in the family . . . He was my big brother, tending to be my father. I have had the utmost respect and love for him all through. My greatest memory of course was the Pope coming to Ireland.
"In the first year of his pontificate, he had expressed this desire to go to three countries, Mexico, Poland and Ireland for the following reasons - firstly, that they have shown their loyalty to the Vicar of Christ and have paid for it through their suffering.
"Secondly, they have shown a great devotion to the Eucharist and, thirdly, they have a great devotion to Mary. He gave each of those countries the title Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful."