CATHOLICS in Glasgow paid their respects to Pope Francis with a special Easter Sunday mass at St Andrew’s Metropolitan Cathedral.
Archbishop of Glasgow William Nolan led the mass for the repose of the souls of Pope Francis.
He said the congregation was meeting “with tears of sadness and joy in our hearts as he has returned to his home".
Hundreds of people attended the mass, including Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, who was greeted by Archbishop Nolan as he entered the cathedral.
Readings from Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel according to Matthew were present and the congregation joined in singing the opening hymn Sing with All the Saints in Glory.
Tributes to Pope Francis were paid throughout the day following the announcement of his passing, highlighting his empathy and statements highlighting injustices.
Archbishop Nolan said: “He used his ability to speak to people in a language they understood to great effect. That partly explains his huge popularity.
“He had no pomposity or sense of superiority about him, indeed he was forever asking people to pray for him.
“His constant call to governments and individuals to care for the earth, our common home, was a key strand of his message. Another was the ever-timely call to welcome the refugee and asylum seeker, and to recognise the human dignity of the poor and less fortunate.”
Lorraine Currie, SCIAF CEO, said: “Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis’ profound empathy and leadership shed light on the systemic injustices faced by the world's most vulnerable.
“As the first Pope from the Americas and the Global South, with great moral clarity he reinvigorated global efforts to combat poverty and injustice.
“Pope Francis was a truly remarkable Pope. A passionate advocate for the poor and for the planet, Pope Francis has been a source of tremendous inspiration for SCIAF and our partners across the world. We will miss him dearly, but he will live on in our hearts and in our work.”
Political figures added their voices to those expressing condolences to people of the Catholic faith.
First Minister John Swinney said: “He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in our society.
“His Holiness was outspoken on many of the pressing issues of our time such as climate change, the death penalty and the rise of artificial intelligence. He would regularly engage with world leaders and hold them to account for their words and actions.”
Lorna Slater, Scottish Greens co-leader, said: “His commitment to securing peace for the people of Palestine and tackling the climate emergency even in his last days should inspire those working for peace and justice around the world.”
