Papal visit was ‘spectacular’, says Catholic Church

Fears about traffic congestion proved unfounded, with the exodus of pilgrims passing without major incident.

Mr Kearney said: “Scotland in a sense had a day in the sun – we showed a welcoming face to Pope Benedict, but we also showed a welcoming face to a global audience and it couldn’t, from the church’s point of view, have gone better.

“All the negativity before the visit was completely wiped away by the enthusiasm, by the excitement and by the joy.”

Glasgow Council leader, Councillor Gordon Matheson, said the city had set the standard for the rest of the Pope’s UK visit.

He said: “The Papal Mass on Bellahouston Park was an incredible event that showed what Glasgow can do.

“The park looked magnificent, the weather was fantastic, and the ceremony and spectacle of the Mass was awe inspiring.

“It was an historic honour and I am so proud of the work done by the council staff who were involved in the project and helped make the day a huge success.”

A 30-year-old man was arrested at Bellahouston in connection with a breach of the peace.

However, police said he was not near the Pope at the time of the alleged incident and did not interfere with the proceedings.

Strathclyde Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said the “hugely complex operation” had been a resounding success.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in making the event such a memorable occasion for the tens of thousands of people who came to Bellahouston Park,” she said.