The Minister for Foreign Affairs said the death of Pope John Paul II will be deeply felt by Irish people of all faiths, by Catholics worldwide and by the wider international community.
Dermot Ahern said the Pontiff was a profound influence for good in a troubled world.
In 1979 the Pope spoke out powerfully in Drogheda on the evil of violence and appealed directly to those engaged in violence to take the path of peace. Mr Ahern said he believed the Pontiff's words were an important contribution to the efforts which have been "transforming the situation in Northern Ireland through an inclusive process based on peace, on dialogue and on mutual respect".
He added: "I was privileged to meet with Pope John Paul last November, when I visited Rome for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the opening of diplomatic relations with the Holy See.
"Although physically frail, his spirit was strong and he was determined to emphasise the significance of the relationship between the Holy See and Ireland." Mr Ahern said the Pope's "very considerable legacy" will become fully apparent in decades to come.
Minister of State for Transport Ivor Callelly said the Pope's courage, strength and dignity during a long and often painful illness, was an example to us all.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny called the Pope a "towering figure" of the Catholic Church for over a quarter of a century.
"Of all the Popes in my time he was the one that best understood the ordinary person. He reached out to millions of people from all nations with his charisma, good humour, force of personality and basic humanity," Mr Kenny said.
"No Irish person over 35 years of age will forget the excitement and enthusiasm of the Pope's three-day visit to Ireland in 1979 when it seemed the whole country united in celebration. Those who saw him during that time in his health and strength will have particularly sympathised with him in his recent illness and incapacity."
Green Party leader Trevor Sargent said the Pope's highlighting of injustice worldwide will continue to motivate and inspire. "As one who was at the Papal Mass in the Phoenix Park in 1979 it is now more clear to me than ever that all people living have witnessed an extraordinary Pontificate."
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said there will be deep sorrow across the country at the news of the Pope's death. He said that although stricken with Parkinsons Disease in recent years, Pope John Paul showed huge courage and determination as he continued to travel and to lead the Catholic Church worldwide."
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said he had "very fond memories" of the Pope's visit to Ireland in 1979. "His powerful spirituality inspired us all at that time and ever since," he said. "His impassioned plea for peace touched the heart of our nation and left a deep impression on me and countless others across Ireland."
Alliance Party leader David Ford said he commanded global respect. "Even those who disagreed with the stance he took on certain social issues will respect the role he played in the liberation of central Europe from communism," Mr Ford added. "The Pope's courage in the face of ill health and adversity was an example to us all."
The Labour Leader also expressed his sympathy and regret on the death of Pope John Paul. Pat Rabbitte said that for more than a quarter of a century the Pope was not just the dominant figurein the religious life of the world's Catholics but was also played a highly influential role in world affairs generally. "I am glad to have had the privilege of meeting him some years ago, " he added.