NAIROBI, April 21, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - African leaders praised the "legacy of 
compassion" and "commitment to inclusivity" of Pope Francis as they joined 
global mourning over his death on Monday.

Francis, an energetic reformer who inspired widespread devotion from 
Catholics but riled traditionalists, died aged 88.

The chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, praised 
"the Pope's courageous engagement with the African continent, amplifying the 
voices of the voiceless, championing peace and reconciliation, and standing 
in solidarity with those affected by conflict and poverty".

Francis, whose real name was Jorge Bergoglio, was leader of the Catholic 
Church since March 2013.

The Argentine pontiff was the first Jesuit to lead the world's almost 1.4 
billion Catholics and the first from the Americas.

Kenya's President William Ruto said his death was "a big loss to the Catholic 
faithful and the Christian world".

"He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering 
commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor 
and the vulnerable," Ruto wrote on X.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent his "deepest 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," 
Abiy wrote on X.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said the pope's passing was "a 
profound loss for the entire world, as as he was a voice of peace, love and 
compassion."

He "worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and build bridges of dialogue ... 
and was a champion of the Palestinian cause, defending legitimate rights and 
calling for an end to conflict," said Sisi.

Francis's death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers 
at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint 
Peter's Basilica.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce 
the death of our Holy Father Francis," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the 
statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

Francis spent 38 days being treated for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli 
hospital before seeming to recover and leaving the facility on March 23.

His death sets in motion centuries-old traditions that will culminate in the 
gathering of a conclave of cardinals to choose a successor.

He took over after Benedict XVI became the first pontiff since the Middle 
Ages to step down -- and cut a sharply different figure from the German 
theologian.