THE SNP have suspended campaigning following the death of Pope Francis, a party councillor has said.
The Vatican confirmed on Monday morning that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.
The pontiff, who was Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, became pope in 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI resigned.
SNP Glasgow councillor Mhairi Hunter posted on Twitter that all SNP campaigning had been suspended on Monday as a mark of respect.
She said: "All SNP campaigning today has been suspended as a mark of respect for the passing of Pope Francis."
The SNP have been approached for further comment by The National.
A date has been confirmed for a Holyrood by-election to fill the seat left vacant after the death of SNP minister Christina McKelvie.
All SNP campaigning today has been suspended as a mark of respect for the passing of Pope Francis.
— Mhairi Hunter 🏴 🇺🇦 🇵🇸 (@MhairiHunter) April 21, 2025
McKelvie was on medical leave from her role as drugs minister, receiving treatment for secondary breast cancer, when she died last month.
It has been confirmed that the by-election to replace her as the MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse will be held on June 5.
Katy Loudon is the SNP's candidate after previously being the candidate in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West Westminster seat at both the election last summer and the by-election in 2023.
The Pope's death came the day after he emerged from his convalescence on Easter Sunday to bless the thousands of people in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
First Minister John Swinney paid tribute to him describing him as a “a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation”.
