Scottish political and religious leaders have paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death at the age of 88.

The pontiff, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, had recently been treated in hospital for pneumonia.

His death came a day after he appeared in St Peter’s Square to wish happy Easter to thousands of worshippers.

First Minister John Swinney expressed his “deep sadness” at the Vatican’s announcement.

The SNP leader posted on X: “He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in our society. He brought comfort, assurance and hope to many.

“May he rest in peace.

Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, said Pope Francis shared “Christ’s mercy and compassion to all, especially the poor and the vulnerable.”

The archbishop added: “He called for peace on earth: may the living Lord now grant him the peace of eternal rest.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he was “deeply saddened”.

He posted on X: “The Holy Father dedicated his life to serving the poor and dispossessed.

“My thoughts are with Scotland’s catholic communities and Catholics worldwide.”

Pope Francis had been expected to visit Scotland in 2021 for COP26, the UN climate conference.

However, he was unable to attend while he recovered from colon surgery in Rome.

In 2017, the pontiff said his church enjoyed a relationship of “true fraternity” with the Church of Scotland.

He described the relationship between the churches as one of “mutual understanding, trust and co-operation”.

The Moderator of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, expressed his condolences following the pope’s death.

He said: “May the blessed memory of Francis continue to serve as an example to the faithful people of God in our shared pilgrimage and in our common task of caring for God’s creation.

“May he rest in peace.”