The Pope has paid a touching tribute to Emeritus Archbishop Mario Conti after he was laid to rest last week.

In a letter to Archbishop of Glasgow William Nolan, Pope Francis expressed his sympathies after the loss of the much-loved clergyman, whose funeral mass took place at St Andrew's Cathedral on Friday.

The leader of the catholic faith described Archbishop Conti as a 'good shepherd' and praised his 'kind temperament and knowledge of the arts and culture'. He also spoke of 'fervent faith'.

Glasgow Times:

The letter, sent on the Pope's behalf by his representative in London Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, added: "I wish to assure you that the thoughts and prayers of the holy father are with you. All of us are confident that the immortal soul of Archbishop Conti will receive his eternal reward in the company of the blessed Virgin Mary, the angels and saints.

"I also include my own personal prayers for those who mourn his loss and who are grieving at this time."

Family members, friends, dignitaries and parishioners said a final farewell to Archbishop Conti at the end of last week after be passed away aged 88.

MSP Paul Sweeney, Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken, MSP Pauline McNeill and Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren were among those who attended.

Archbishop Conti’s work in ecumenism and interfaith matters, as well as his affection for the Italian community in Scotland, were among his defining characteristics.

In this time, he welcomed Pope Benedict XVI to Glasgow in 2010 during his state visit to the United Kingdom, where he held a public mass in Bellahouston Park.