Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has described attending the funeral of Pope Francis as an “honour and a privilege”, ahead of his visit to Rome this weekend as part of the official UK delegation.
The First Minister will represent Scotland at the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis, which is to be held in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on Saturday. Mr Swinney will depart for Rome on Friday and return shortly after the ceremony.
Speaking to the PA News Agency on Thursday, Mr Swinney expressed the deep significance of the moment, both personally and nationally. “I’ll have the honour and the privilege of representing Scotland at the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis,” he said. “This will be a poignant ceremony, a moment for us all to reflect on the extraordinary service that Pope Francis has given to the Catholic community here in Scotland and also to the whole world.”
He highlighted the Pope’s commitment to values of peace, justice, and compassion, saying: “The focus of his papacy has been on peace, on reconciliation, of standing in solidarity with the poor and those who seek justice.”
Mr Swinney, who became First Minister in May 2024 following the resignation of his predecessor Humza Yousaf, will be joined in Rome by other members of the UK delegation. Scottish Catholic leaders, including a delegation of bishops, will also attend the funeral, reflecting the close ties between Scotland’s Catholic community and the Vatican.
According to the 2021 census, 13.3% of Scotland’s population identify as Catholic. Mr Swinney acknowledged the strong role the Catholic Church continues to play in Scottish society and said that the presence of both Church and Government representatives was an important sign of unity and respect.
“I think it’s also important that the First Minister of Scotland is there to establish that very direct connection on behalf of the whole of the country,” he said. “Scotland has benefitted from the themes of the papacy and the example and leadership that Pope Francis has given with that focus on pursuing justice, standing in solidarity with the poor, and working for peace and reconciliation in the world.”
The First Minister added, “We’ve benefitted from that in Scotland and I think it’s important as a country that we pay tribute to Pope Francis for all he has contributed to our lives as a consequence.”
During his decade-long papacy, Pope Francis was widely regarded as a moderniser of the Catholic Church, placing strong emphasis on interfaith dialogue, care for the environment, and outreach to the marginalised. His humble approach to leadership and outspoken calls for global equity earned him admiration across religious and political lines.
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Mr Swinney’s participation in the ceremony is being viewed as a significant gesture, underscoring the enduring bond between Scotland and the Holy See, and the values Pope Francis championed that continue to resonate far beyond the confines of religion.
The funeral is expected to draw mourners and dignitaries from across the globe. With thousands anticipated to gather in St Peter’s Square, the event will mark the end of a papacy that left a lasting impression on the 21st century and beyond.
As Scotland prepares to bid farewell to one of the most globally influential religious figures of our time, Mr Swinney’s words serve as a reflection of the deep respect Pope Francis commanded across all communities and the legacy he leaves behind.
