Pope Francis made a real connection with everyone... it's like losing a father figure

The Bishop of Paisley led local tributes to Pope Francis following the passing of the Pontiff at the age of 88 yesterday.

- CRAIG MCDONALD

Bishop John Keenan, who met Pope Francis in February, told how there have been “many tears” shed at the news.

The Pope had been unwell for some time, and was recently treated in hospital for pneumonia, although he was able to greet Easter well-wishers at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, on Sunday.

A special Mass will be held today, and again on Friday, at St Mirin’s Cathedral to pay respect to Pope Francis.

Bishop Keenan said: “I think we are all saddened at the Pope’s passing.

“He had not been well but we had witnessed him making what seemed like a bit of a recovery, visiting Rome's prison just last Thursday, then on Easter Sunday at St Peter's, coming out to wish Happy Easter to the crowd gathered in the square. There was hope that he was making a slow but steady recovery.