PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has joined fellow African leaders and the global community in mourning the late Pope Francis, lauding his legacy of compassion, humility and devotion to peace and justice. The Pope passed away Monday morning in Rome at the age of 88.

In her condolence message, President Samia praised the Pope’s leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, noting his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and human dignity.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the global leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis,” she wrote on her official social media account.

“Throughout his 12-year tenure as the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis lived as a teacher and leader who consistently advocated for human development, peace and prosperity.”

“On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend heartfelt condolences to all Catholic believers in Tanzania and around the world. May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace,” she stated.

The president described the late pontiff as an energetic reformer who inspired widespread devotion among Catholics while challenging traditionalist views within the Church.

Pope Francis, earlier known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born in Argentina to an immigrant Italian couple. He was elected to lead the Catholic Church in March 2013, the first Jesuit and the first pope from the Americas.

He was guiding nearly 1.4 billion Catholics globally with a pastoral style centred on humility, mercy and social justice for which world leaders’ poured tremendous tributes.

Tributes poured in from across the African continent, with African Union Commission chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praising the Pope’s “courageous engagement with Africa,” his advocacy for the poor and marginalized, and his efforts toward peace and reconciliation.

Kenyan President William Ruto said the Pope’s death was “a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world,” asserting that the Pope exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also extended his condolences. “May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come,” he wrote on X.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called the Pope’s death “a profound loss for the entire world,” remembering him as “a voice of peace, love and compassion.” Al-Sisi also highlighted the Pope’s “tireless work to promote tolerance, build bridges of dialogue and defend the Palestinian cause.”

The Pope’s death came just one day after he appeared before a crowd at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City for Easter Sunday celebrations. Cardinal Kevin Farrell made the announcement on the Vatican’s official Telegram channel:

“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”

Pope Francis had been treated for double pneumonia for 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, leaving the facility on March 23. His passing now sets in motion the Vatican’s centuries-old process of selecting a new pope, beginning with the convening of a conclave of cardinals.