The administrator of the capital's Catholic cathedral has died suddenly while on holiday in Spain.Monsignor David Gemmell, 54, of St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, was found dead in his hotel room in Barcelona on Thursday.
He was on a trip with a colleague from the cathedral, Father Hugh Purcell, to support Celtic play against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.
Cardinal Keith O'Brien said he was "stunned" by the news.
A Catholic Church spokesman said: "The cardinal and priests of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh were stunned on Thursday to hear of the sudden death of the Right Reverend Monsignor David Gemmell. "
After a meal on Wednesday evening with Father Purcell he let it be known that he felt unwell but did not need medical help.
"On Thursday morning when he did not appear for breakfast Father Purcell contacted the hotel authorities and Monsignor Gemmell was found dead in his room."
"Monsignor Gemmell did have a pre-existing history of heart trouble."
Difficult time
Businessman Sir Tom Farmer, who had known the priest for 30 years, said: "I was shocked to hear of the death of Monsignor David Gemmell.
"David was a great priest who loved his chosen role in life. He was always close to and involved in the lives of his immediate family and he cared greatly for all those parishioners he came to know in the many parishes he served - feelings which were widely reciprocated. I am pleased I had the opportunity to know him and I mourn his loss."
A spokesman for Celtic Football Club said: "Clearly, we are stunned by the sudden passing of Monsignor Gemmell, a man who was a great supporter of Celtic and someone well known to the club. The thoughts of everyone at Celtic are with Monsignor Gemmell's relatives, friends, colleagues and congregation at this very difficult time." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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