Moscow: 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."

According to Anadolu Agency, during all the years of his pontificate, Pope Francis 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 stated that he had the opportunity to communicate with Pope Francis on many occasions and will "forever preserve the brightest memory of him," describing him as an "outstanding person." He conveyed words of sympathy and support to Cardinal Farrell and the entire Catholic clergy during this sorrowful time.

In a separate statement on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mourned the pope's death, emphasizing that his life was "devoted to God, people, and the Church." Zelensky highlighted that Pope Francis knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He expressed that the pope prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians, and that they grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also expressed condolences, stating that Pope Francis' memory and heritage will "always live in hearts and memories." He noted that the international community and the world's Catholics have lost a brilliant religious figure and a great personality with high moral qualities, whose life's mission was to selflessly serve the peace of humanity.

Elsewhere, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed his deep sadness on X, acknowledging that Pope Francis' "legacy of peace, compassion, and unity" will endure. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's press secretary, Sherzod Asadov, announced on Telegram that Mirziyoyev sent condolences to Cardinal Farrell over the pope's death. Moldovan President Maia Sandu wrote on X that the world has lost a personality who tirelessly promoted compassion and social justice, emphasizing Pope Francis' leadership through love and unity.

Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 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, seeking to reform the Vatican's bureaucracy, tackle corruption, and address some of the church's most pressing challenges. Despite being hailed for his humility and commitment to social justice, his leadership faced 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.