In preparation for the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, thousands of Scots are ready to pay their final respects. Among the dignitaries attending are First Minister John Swinney, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Prince William, US President Donald Trump, and Paisley Bishop John Keenan. The funeral service is set to commence at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST), with many in Italy joining, while others will follow from their homes.
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday after suffering a stroke, will be laid to rest in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The first minister described the pontiff as a compassionate advocate for peace, tolerance, and reconciliation. He expressed deep sorrow and respect on behalf of the people of Scotland, emphasizing the hope and assurance that Pope Francis instilled in many.
The funeral service will feature a procession leading the Pope’s coffin to St Peter’s Basilica square, led by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. Among the attendees will be Bishop John Keenan, representing the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, who praised Pope Francis as a transformative figure. The somber yet grateful atmosphere in Rome reflects the loss of a universally revered leader.
An array of world leaders and dignitaries will gather for the funeral alongside numerous ordinary Catholics who seek to honor a pontiff known for his simplicity and compassion. Many queued for hours to pay their respects, including Aidan McCall from East Kilbride, who flew out on short notice to attend the funeral. The presence of young Catholics like Aidan McCall and Tom Clarke, secretary of the Catholic Association at Glasgow University, underscores the impact of Pope Francis’s legacy
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