In this photo, an edited press photograph of Pope Francis is displayed prior to his 2017 visit to Egypt with the caption "Pope of Peace in Egypt of Peace" in both Arabic and English.
The Vatican announced on Monday, in a statement, that Pope Francis had passed away at the age of 88, just one day after his much-anticipated appearance in Saint Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.
"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.
In a statement issued by the Egyptian Presidency, El-Sisi said: “Pope Francis was an exceptional global figure who dedicated his life to the service of peace and justice. He tirelessly worked to promote tolerance and interfaith understanding, and to build bridges of dialogue between peoples.”
The statement also highlighted Pope Francis’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause, noting his calls for a just and lasting peace based on legitimate rights.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis faced two life-threatening bouts of pneumonia, bringing him dangerously close to death. He spent 38 days hospitalized before being discharged on 23 March.
El-Sisi described the Pope’s passing as a loss for the world, calling him “a voice of peace, love and compassion” and “an exemplary model of devotion to noble values.”
The president extended his condolences to the Vatican, as well as to the Pope’s followers and admirers around the world.
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