First Minister Michelle O’Neill will travel to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday.
She will join political leaders including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney at the ceremony.
O’Neill had cut short a family holiday so that plans could be made to attend the funeral.
The Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has confirmed she will not be attending.
O’Neill said she was “proud” to attend the funeral “paying her respects on behalf of everyone at home who cherished his leadership and looked to him as a spiritual and moral guide”.
“Pope Francis will be remembered as a leader of deep humility, compassion, and courage, with an unwavering commitment to justice and peace.
“His passing is deeply felt in Ireland and across the world, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire millions.”
Other assembly members (MLAs) at Stormont will pay tribute to Pope Francis at the assembly next week once it returns from Easter break.
O’Neill is expected to travel to Rome later on Friday.
Also attending the funeral will be Archbishop Eamon Martin, Catholic Primate of All Ireland, Irish President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin.
A number of books of condolence have been opened across Northern Ireland following the Pope’s death.
On Wednesday, Belfast Lord Mayor Mickey Murray and Father Tim Bartlett, who was one of the organiser’s of Pope Francis’s visit to Ireland in 2018, were among the first to sign the book at Belfast City Hall.
Belfast City Hall will also be illuminated in yellow and white on Saturday to coincide with the day of his funeral.
In Londonderry, the public can leave a written message at the city’s Guildhall, the Alley Theatre in Strabane or online.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Mid Ulster Council have also opened online books of condolence.
