POPE Francis has been remembered as a leader who gave “clear guidance in a complex and polarised political world.”
His papacy was defined by humility and compassion for the weak and vulnerable around the globe.
Pope Francis, 88, died on Monday prompting mourning across the Christian world for the energetic reformer who inspired devotion from Catholics but riled traditionalists during a 12-year papacy.
Mourners gathered, many in tears, in St Peter's Square, where just a day earlier the frail-looking pontiff had greeted worshippers on Easter Sunday, having recently left hospital following a 38-day battle with double pneumonia.
World leaders paid tribute to Francis' moral and spiritual leadership and countries began preparations to mark his death, which will now set off a succession scramble among Cardinals to see who next will lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
"Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a Vatican statement.
"This morning at 7:35 am the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.”
His death sets in motion centuries-old traditions that will culminate in the gathering of a conclave of cardinals to choose a successor. In the next four to six days the Vatican's cardinals will decide on the pope's funeral date, which must take place between four and six days after his death.
In the meantime, the day-to-day running of the tiny Vatican City state will be handled by the Camerlengo, a senior cardinal, who is currently Dublin-born Cardinal Farrell.
Francis’ body would likely be transferred to St Peter's Basilica tomorrow to lie in state.
In a statement released after the Pope's death, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba said that “the poor of the world will be those who will miss him the most as a champion and custodian of their hopes and dreams”.
“He was an incredible, prophetic pastor whose vision was a ‘church of the poor for the poor’, to quote one of his favourite sayings.”
“We are deeply grateful to him for holding before us the image of the church as a field hospital, and for the incredible ways in which he embraced the marginalised.
“For many around the world, including people of all faiths and of none, the distinguishing characteristic of his papacy was how close they felt to him. The last globally-recognised moral voice in our confused times, he gave us clear guidance in a complex and polarised political world.”
King Charles, who met Francis during a state visit earlier this month, said the pope had "served with such devotion".
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said "a great man has left us" in a statement.
Argentina's President Javier Milei pointed to his compatriot's "goodness and wisdom" despite their "differences".
Spain declared three days of mourning with Argentina announcing a full week. The bells at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris rang out 88 times and the city said the lights would be turned off at the Eiffel Tower yesterday evening.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the spiritual leader sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values.
“As the leader of the Church and a global figurehead, Pope Francis advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalised individuals and groups, as well as responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment.
“His extraordinary life story and ascendancy to the Holy See unfolded with humility and a profound commitment to making the Church and the world a better place for all of humanity.
“Following so soon after the celebration of Easter, Pope Francis’ passing will extend this traditional period of prayer and reflection, which will unite the Church and the international community in reflecting on the Holy Father’s life and legacy.”
South African Council of Churches (SACC) General Secretary Rev Mzwandile Molo said the timing of Francis’ passing, shortly after Easter Sunday, holds profound symbolic significance.
“Just as we celebrated the resurrection of Christ, Pope Francis’ departure can be seen as his own ascension into the presence of God - a dignified and graceful transition befitting a life devoted to faith and service.
“The passing of the Holy Father marks the conclusion of His journey of papacy defined by humility, compassion and the tenderness of God’s heart especially for the weak and vulnerable in the world. Pope Francis demonstrated his heart for the poor, leading a global movement for service to the poor.
“We remember Pope Francis' commitment to interfaith dialogue and his openminded approach to fostering unity among diverse religious communities, where in 2019, the Holy Father and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together in Abu Dhabi. This declaration condemned violence and extremism, affirmed the sanctity of life, and called for the protection of religious freedom and human dignity. This document dissolved the belief that God’s name and teachings should be interpreted in acts of war and oppression.”
Cape Times