Inverness priest will ‘truly miss’ Pope Francis, who has died aged 88
Condolences have been expressed following the death of Pope Francis announced this morning.
The former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis, was elected to lead the Catholic Church in March 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI stood down.
His death at the age of 88 came less than 24 hours after he made an appearance at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday.
Father Dominic, who leads St Ninian’s Catholic Church in Culduthel Road, Inverness has expressed his sadness at the sudden passing.
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He said: “It is really shocking. He was a man of change and he believed there was a need for change in the Catholic Church. He was also the first Pope from outside Europe in over one thousand years.
“He was a great man and very courageous and it’s sad to hear about the news.
“He came out yesterday to greet the people in the Vatican. He loved the people God had entrusted to him and wanted to come back to them as soon as possible when he was unwell.
“We will truly miss him. I had the opportunity to see him in 2016 when I went to the Vatican City, which was a great privilege.
“Sometimes people were not sure if he would resign due to his health and he was hoping to come back.
“I truly appreciate his fortitude and the love he had for the people. It says a lot about his personality.”
SNP Students National Organiser Aaron Taylor, who is based in Inverness, also expressed his thoughts on the death of Pope Francis.
He said: “In a world often divided by differences, Pope Francis Holiness, stood as a bridge — between faiths, nations, and hearts. We, from varied walks of life and beliefs, come together in admiration and gratitude for your unwavering commitment to humility, justice and love.
“You have reminded us that leadership is not about power, but about service. In your quiet strength, we have seen the face of mercy. In your words, the voice of the poor. In your actions, the hope of the marginalised.”
