Pope Francis ‘was always on the side of the poor’, says Swinney

Belfast Telegraph - 21/04
John Swinney has hailed Pope Francis as a man “always on the side of the poor” who made important contributions on international conflicts, as leaders pay tribute to the late pontiff.

Scotland’s First Minister, who practises his Christian faith in the Catholic Church alongside his family, expressed his sadness following Pope Francis’s death at the age of 88.

Speaking to journalists at his official residence of Bute House, Mr Swinney said the death of the Pope will case “heartbreak” among the Catholic community.

He said: “He was a man who was always on the side of the poor.

“He was always on the side of those who faced injustice.

“And he used his position of leadership of the Catholic community around the world to work for a better world and we’re all profoundly grateful for his life.”

Mr Swinney, who attends church with his family but is not formally a member of the Catholic Church, said peace and reconciliation had always been an important part of Pope Francis’s...
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