Vatican City: Leaders across the Middle East region paid tribute to Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88. Pope Francis, who made history as the first Jesuit and first Latin American pontiff, died after battling an illness described by Vatican officials as a 'prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis' associated with thrombocytopenia.

According to Anadolu Agency, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi mourned the pontiff, describing him as 'an exceptional global figure who dedicated his life to promoting peace and justice, building bridges of dialogue among peoples, and defending the just rights of the Palestinian people,' as per a readout by the presidency. The passing of Pope Francis 'is a great loss to the entire world. He was a voice for peace, love, and compassion - a model of unwavering commitment to noble values,' he added. The Egyptian leader offered his 'heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, to his followers, and to all who loved him.'

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the death of Pope Francis "a loss for all humanity." He added that the Pope was 'a powerful voice for justice and peace, a defender of the poor and marginalized, and a champion of interfaith and intercultural dialogue.' Aoun highlighted that 'Pope Francis always carried Lebanon in his heart and prayers, and he consistently urged the world to stand by us in our time of crisis.' Lebanon declared three days of mourning for the pontiff's demise, during which flags will be flown at half-mast, and media programming will be adjusted to reflect the loss.

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid expressed his condolences on his X account, stating, 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His humanitarian stance against war and violence, and his continuous calls for peace and coexistence, will leave an indelible impact on the world.' He further remarked on the loss of a 'remarkable religious and humanitarian leader whose life was devoted to promoting peace, alleviating poverty, and fostering interfaith tolerance.'

Iran extended its condolences to all Christians over the pontiff's death, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stating, 'We ask Almighty God to grant Pope Francis eternal peace and rest.' United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohamed bin Zayed also offered condolences, expressing his sorrow on his X account.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of condolences to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, over the passing of Pope Francis. Jordan's King Abdullah II mourned Pope Francis in a post on X, emphasizing that the Pope 'was admired by all as the Pope of the People.'

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar, paid tribute by calling Pope Francis a 'distinguished humanitarian and dear friend.' He praised the Pope for his advocacy for the oppressed and promotion of dialogue among religions and cultures. Tayeb also recalled their shared signing of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in 2019.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed sorrow over the loss, describing Pope Francis as a 'faithful friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.' Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit commended the Pope's courageous positions in support of peace and coexistence.

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas extended 'heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic Church and all Christians,' acknowledging the Pope's distinguished legacy in serving humanitarian and religious values and his stance against wars.