The Vatican has announced the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.

Archbishop Cushley said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of The Holy Father's death this morning.

"He shared Christ's mercy and compassion to all, especially the poor and the vulnerable.

"He emphasised our duty to protect God’s creation for future generations and he worked tirelessly, often through illness and infirmity, to seek unity in a divided world.

"Through the synods held during his Pontificate he wished us to learn again to listen to each other as children of God and heirs to the same life of grace.
Archbishop Cushley with Pope Francis at the Vatican in September 2023.

"He called for peace on earth: may the living Lord now grant him the peace of eternal rest."

The Holy Father died at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta on Easter Monday morning.

A Requiem Mass for Pope Francis will be celebrated by Archbishop Cushley at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday 28 April at 12:45pm.