Prayers and tributes made to Pope Francis across Scotland following death at 88

Across Scotland prayers and tributes to Pope Francis have continued as preparations for his funeral get under way.

The 88-year-old died on Easter Monday at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, less than a day after making a brief appearance at Easter Sunday mass in St Peter’s Square where he blessed thousands of people.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1936, Francis ushered in a new era of leadership in the Roman Catholic Church when he was elected Pope in 2013.

There has been an outpouring of grief from Catholic communities across the world following Francis’ death, with pilgrims set to join religious leaders and politicians in Rome to pay their respects.

In Scotland, Pope Francis has been remembered as a man of humility, with an unshakeable faith in the goodness of people.

Many have said they felt a connection with Pope Francis, and share a sense of loss with others across the world.

The Bishop of Paisley, John Keenan, was one of the last to have an audience with the Pope before the 88-year-old went into hospital.

He told STV News of Francis’ “compassion, mercy and forgiveness”, adding that he will be attending the Pope’s funeral on Saturday.

Bishop Keenan said: “Pope Francis was a man who seemed to make connection with everyone on the basis of their common humanity. He just expressed values that I think people in the world are craving for, compassion, mercy, forgiveness.

“He was a leader in the world of today like no other, it was about the marginalised for him, about being a voice for the poor, for migrants, for anyone who felt left out. He was quite courageous about that, it wasn’t just about himself, it wasn’t just about the church, far from it. It was about humanity.”

On Tuesday, in the late pontiff’s private chapel, blessings and prayers were led by his open casket. On Wednesday morning, his body will be moved to St Peter’s Basilica, where he will lie in state.

After the funeral, there will be nine days of official mourning, then the secretive process to elect a new pope begins.

In the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister led tributes in the chamber on Tuesday.

John Swinney said: “On behalf of the people of Scotland, I express my sadness at the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

“His loss will be felt most acutely within the Roman Catholic community here in Scotland and abroad. But his loss will be mourned by countless others who admired, respected and were inspired by the humble, kind, empathetic spiritual leadership that he gave to the world.”

Pope Francis never visited Scotland, with a planned trip in 2021 for the UN climate conference COP26 cancelled due to ill health.

But Catholic aid agencies say his stance on climate change will continue to inspire their work.

“He was a passionate advocate for the poorest of the poor, the most marginalised and the climate,” explained Lorraine Currie from Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF).

“That’s our mission statement, SCIAF looks to combats poverty, injustice and also trying to combat the climate crisis, climate injustice. These were the things that he championed

“His groundbreaking writings in Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti, these were asking all humanity to look after the planet and all God’s creations for future generations to come.”

In Dunfermline, another memory is being cherished. Last October, six-year-old Amelia was invited from the crowds to sit beside Pope Francis.

Amelia told STV News: “I was so proud and I remember my friend came. She was a little bit shy to go in the car so I came in the car.

“The Pope blessed the rosary and he put it in my pocket in my bag. I saw Pope Francis and when we got off, he gave us all a candy. I shared it with my friend.

“It was exciting (to meet the Pope).”

It has only been two days since the Pontiff was seen in St Peter’s Square, greeted by the crowds on Easter Sunday. Now they are arriving in remembrance.

Over the coming week, pilgrims will arrive in huge numbers, with many expected to make the journey from Scotland to pay their respects.