Vatican City: Several Asian nations have offered condolences after Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88 following a prolonged illness, the Vatican announced on Monday. Pakistan's President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their sympathies to the Vatican and the global Catholic community, paying tribute to the late pope's dedication to peace, social justice, inter-faith dialogue, and the welfare of vulnerable communities worldwide.

According to Anadolu Agency, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed he is "deeply pained" by the pope's death. Modi offered his condolences to the global Catholic community and acknowledged Pope Francis as a beacon of compassion and spiritual courage. India has declared a three-day state of mourning in honor of the pope's passing.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also conveyed his sorrow, highlighting the pope's lasting commitment to peace and humanity. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked on the profound impact Pope Francis had on a global scale, emphasizing the enduring memory of his compassion.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recognized Pope Francis as a man of humility, whose legacy included a steadfast commitment to social justice and interfaith dialogue. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed these sentiments, noting the pope's role as a moral voice in a turbulent world.

Taiwan's leader Lai Ching-te and South Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo also shared their condolences. Han highlighted Pope Francis' message of love and solidarity, emphasizing his dedication to the poor and marginalized.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed his sorrow over the loss of a figure whose commitment to peace and fraternity inspired many. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, faced a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis" related to thrombocytopenia, as per a Vatican statement.

Born in Buenos Aires on Dec. 17, 1936, to Italian immigrant parents, Pope Francis studied in Argentina and Germany before becoming a Jesuit priest in 1969. Throughout his papacy, he sought to reform the Vatican's bureaucracy, tackle corruption, and address pressing Church challenges. Despite being admired for his humility and social justice efforts, his leadership faced resistance from conservatives within and outside the Church.