Eurasian leaders express condolences over Pope Francis' death

• 'Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church,' says Ukraine's president
  
  ISTANBUL

Leaders from Eurasian countries expressed their condolences on the death of Pope Francis, who died earlier Monday at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness.

In a letter to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, released by the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Pope Francis "enjoyed great international authority as a faithful servant of Christian teaching, a wise religious (leader) and statesman, and a consistent defender of the high values ​​of humanism and justice."

“During all the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See,” Putin further said.

He also said he had the opportunity to communicate with him on many occasions and will “forever preserve the brightest memory of him,” describing him as an “outstanding person.”

"In this sorrowful hour, I would like to convey to you and the entire Catholic clergy words of sympathy and support," he added.

In a separate statement on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mourned the pope's death, saying that his life was "devoted to God, people, and the Church."

"He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!" he went on to say.

Other reactions

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is among Eurasian leaders who have expressed condolences on Pope Francis' death on behalf of his country, saying his memory and heritage will "always live in hearts and memories."

"In the person of Pope Francis, the international community and the world's Catholics have lost a brilliant religious figure, a great personality with high moral qualities, whose life's mission was to selflessly serve the peace of humanity," he said in a letter addressed to Cardinal Farrell, which was published by the Azerbaijani presidency.

Elsewhere, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on X said that he is "deeply saddened" by the passing of Pope Francis, noting that his "legacy of peace, compassion, and unity" will live on.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's press secretary Sherzod Asadov said on Telegram that Mirziyoyev also sent condolences to Cardinal Farrell over the pope's death.

"The world has lost a personality who tirelessly promoted compassion and social justice. Pope Francis led with love, stood by the vulnerable, and called for unity in times of division. May his legacy live on and guide us toward a better world," Moldovan President Maia Sandu wrote on X.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 17, 1936, to Italian immigrant parents.

He studied in Argentina and later in Germany before being ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1969.

Over a decade into his papacy, Pope Francis remained a figure of admiration and controversy.

He sought to reform the Vatican’s bureaucracy, tackle corruption, and address some of the church’s most pressing challenges.

While he was hailed for his humility and commitment to social justice, his leadership also drew sharp resistance from conservatives within the church and beyond.

The late pontiff was admitted to a hospital in Rome in February with bronchitis, which developed into bilateral pneumonia. He was discharged after 38 days to continue his recovery in his Vatican residence. The Vatican announced his death earlier Monday.