Pope Francis hailed as ‘voice for peace’ following dying

Scottish political and spiritual leaders have paid tribute to Pope Francis following his dying on the age of 88.

The pontiff, the primary Latin American chief of the Roman Catholic Church, had not too long ago been handled in clinic for pneumonia.

His dying got here an afternoon after he seemed in St Peter’s Square to hope satisfied Easter to 1000’s of worshippers.

First Minister John Swinney expressed his “deep sadness” on the Vatican’s announcement.

The SNP chief posted on X: “He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in our society. He brought comfort, assurance and hope to many.

“May he leisure in peace.

Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, mentioned Pope Francis shared “Christ’s mercy and compassion to all, especially the poor and the vulnerable.”

The archbishop added: “He called for peace on earth: may the living Lord now grant him the peace of eternal rest.”

Scottish Labour chief Anas Sarwar mentioned he was once “deeply saddened”.

He posted on X: “The Holy Father dedicated his life to serving the poor and dispossessed. ”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray mentioned it was once “heartbreaking for millions of Catholics in Scotland and across the globe”.

He posted: “Pope Francis preached a message of inclusion and tolerance, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”

Pope Francis have been anticipated to talk over with Scotland in 2021 for COP26, the UN local weather convention.

However, he was once not able to wait whilst he recovered from colon surgical treatment in Rome.

In 2017, the pontiff mentioned his church loved a dating of “true fraternity” with the Church of Scotland.

He described the connection between the church buildings as certainly one of “mutual understanding, trust and co-operation”.

The Moderator of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, expressed his condolences following the pope’s dying.

He mentioned: “May the blessed memory of Francis continue to serve as an example to the faithful people of God in our shared pilgrimage and in our common task of caring for God’s creation.

“May he leisure in peace.”