Scots pay respects to Holy Father

The Requiem Mass of Pope John Paul II taking place in Rome

Mourners in Scotland have been saying their goodbyes to Pope John Paul II, who has been laid to rest in Rome.

The late pontiff's funeral was attended by Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who helped prepare the Requiem Mass and will take part in the selection of a new Pope.

Political parties have suspended campaigning for the general election as a mark of respect to the Pope.

First Minister Jack McConnell and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland were also present at the funeral.

The body of Pope John Paul II has now been buried in a crypt in the Vatican.

'Immediately accepted'

Speaking ahead of the funeral, Cardinal O'Brien said: "The Italian people have given us an example of how to cope with a Pope from a foreign nationality.

"John Paul II spoke many languages, he was immediately accepted.

"I am perfectly sure that if the next Pope is not Italian or Polish, he will be equally accepted solely on the basis of who he is and the fact that he is the one."

My life as a bishop and my short life as cardinal has prepared me for this Cardinal Keith O'Brien In Pictures: Papal visit

Cardinal O'Brien, the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, flew out to Rome earlier this week after the Pope died on Saturday at the age of 84.

As a cardinal under 80 he could also be among the contenders to lead the Catholic Church but he refused to comment on the choice he will make in a fortnight.

He will join 116 cardinals on 18 April for the start of the election process that will select a new Pope.

"I have a return ticket as well," he joked when asked about the possibility of taking charge of the church.

"I love being a priest and bishop, they are both quite hard jobs. Being a Pope is a tremendous burden of responsibility on the shoulders of any person."

The whole of Poland is sad, and all the other people in the world, because he was a great Pope Alexander Alfer Polish Club member

In the meantime, he is now preparing to do his duty. He said: "The most important thing that a cardinal does is elect a Pope.

"My life as a bishop and my short life as cardinal has prepared me for this."

Meanwhile, Poles in Scotland have been sharing their memories of the Holy Father.

Families gathered at the Polish Club in Glasgow to watch the ceremony at the Vatican.

Benedictine monks at Pluscarden Abbey in Moray paid their respects

Alexander Alfer said: "We are sad about the Holy Father passing away and as you can see from the coverage the whole of Poland is sad, and all the other people in the world, because he was a great Pope."

Justyna Mierzejewska has just returned from a trip home to Poland.

She said: "It's something unforgettable for me this experience because all Polish people, the Polish government and all countries are in mourning."

Following the funeral the first minister said it was an honour for Scotland to be represented.

Mr McConnell added: "The international, yet simple, funeral service recognised the fact that Pope John Paul II was one of the world's most influential leaders."

KEY AREAS WITHIN THE VATICAN

1: Papal Apartments: Where John Paul II died, 2 April 2005

2: Clementine Hall: Cardinals and other officials view Pope's body

3: St Peter's Basilica: Pope to lie in state and be buried here

4: Sistine Chapel: Cardinals to gather here to pick successor

5: St Peter's Square: Funeral mass to be held here on Friday

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