First Minister John Swinney will travel to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.
He will be at the ceremony on Saturday along with heads of state from around the world.
Swinney said he was "deeply honoured" to be able to express his "sorrow, thanks and deep respect" to the Pope.
Thousands of people have been queuing to see Pope Francis lying in state in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.
The Pope's body is being displayed in an open coffin.
Entry to the church in Vatican City was due to stop at midnight local time (22:00 GMT on Wednesday), but opening hours were extended to accommodate the large crowds gathered outside.
The first minister will travel to Rome on Friday.
He said: "His Holiness Pope Francis was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation who had a natural ability to connect with people of all ages, nationalities and beliefs.
"On behalf of the people of Scotland, I am deeply honoured to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome to express my sorrow, thanks and deep respect for the compassion, assurance and hope that he brought to so many."
On Monday, Swinney praised the pontiff's work during his 12-year tenure saying: "He was a man who was always on the side of the poor.
"He was always on the side of those who faced injustice.
"He used his position of leadership of the Catholic community around the world to work for a better world, and we're all profoundly grateful for his life."