It has been confirmed this morning that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected when he was a Cardinal to lead the Catholic Church in March 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI stood down.
He had been hospitalised earlier this year for bronchitis and pneumonia.
Pope Francis died less than 24 hours after he addressed worshippers in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
Bishop John Keenan, who has served the Diocese of Paisley since 2014, released a statement on Facebook this morning, it read:
“With deep sorrow we heard of the death of Pope Francis this morning.
“We thank god for his tireless service to the Church to the end, dedicated to the Gospel and reaching out to bring God’s universal love to everyone especially all those on the margins, offering them reason for hope.
“We invite you to pray for the happy repose of the soul of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Two services will be held at Paisley’s St Mirin’s Cathedral on Tuesday, 22nd April at 1pm and on Friday, 25th April at 3pm.
Vatican announces Pope Francis’ death – statement in full:
A short while ago, His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell, announced with sorrow the death of Pope Francis, with these words: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”