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.

There will be a Holy Hour with Vespers (evening prayer of the Church) at 7:00pm tonight (Monday 21 April) at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. The Cathedral is open all day so people can say a prayer and light a candle for the Holy Father. A Requiem Mass for Pope Francis will be celebrated by Archbishop Cushley at St Mary's Cathedral on Monday 28 April.