Flags on Scottish Government buildings will fly at half-mast this weekend, as First Minister John Swinney travels to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. The Pope, a revered global figure, passed away on Easter Monday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from faith communities, world leaders, and citizens around the globe.
The funeral ceremony will take place on Saturday in the iconic St Peter’s Square at the Vatican, where dignitaries and religious leaders are expected to gather in mourning and reflection. Mr Swinney has been invited to attend as part of the official United Kingdom delegation, joined by senior figures from the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, including its president, Bishop John Keenan.
In a statement prior to his departure, the First Minister said:
“On behalf of the people of Scotland, I am deeply honoured to attend the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis in Rome to express sorrow, thanks and my respect for the compassion, assurance and hope that he brought to so many.
“People around the world greatly valued the peacefulness, the focus on reconciliation and the spiritual leadership that he gave. I am attending to express the respect of the people of Scotland for the leadership that Pope Francis has given, particularly regarding justice, standing in solidarity with the poor, working for peace and reconciliation in the world.”
While in Rome, Mr Swinney will also attend a formal reception hosted at the residence of the UK Ambassador to the Holy See, and will hold a private meeting with Bishop Keenan. The trip is expected to underscore the enduring ties between Scotland and the Vatican, while paying tribute to a spiritual leader whose impact extended far beyond the boundaries of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pope Francis, who became the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church in 2013, was known for his humility, progressive stance on social issues, and tireless advocacy for marginalised communities. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the papal office. His papacy marked a significant shift in tone for the Vatican, emphasising mercy, inclusion, and a more pastoral approach to leadership.
In Scotland, the Pope was held in high regard by both Catholics and those of other faiths, as well as many without religious affiliation. His efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue, environmental responsibility, and global peace resonated across diverse communities.
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The decision to lower flags on government buildings across Scotland is a symbolic gesture, recognising Pope Francis’s contributions to world peace, spiritual reflection, and social justice. The Scottish Government confirmed that flags will be flown at half-mast throughout Saturday, the day of the funeral, as a mark of solemn respect.
The First Minister’s attendance at the funeral will be the first international engagement of his new tenure, and one that carries significant emotional and cultural weight.
Saturday’s funeral is expected to be one of the most widely viewed and solemn events of the year, with tens of thousands of people gathering in person at the Vatican, and millions more watching across the globe. The ceremony will include readings and prayers in multiple languages, reflecting Pope Francis’s lifelong dedication to unity and inclusion.
As the world bids farewell to a beloved figure, Scotland’s participation in the ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of Pope Francis’s wide-reaching influence and the shared values of compassion, justice, and peace that transcend national and religious boundaries.
