Condolences pouring in on death of Pope Francis

Condolences are pouring in on the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who died on Monday in the Vatican.

“Pope Francis was a voice of compassion, justice and hope in a troubled world,” Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský wrote in response to the news.

"Pope Francis was a man of deep faith who tried to transform the Church so that it could better fulfil its mission in contemporary society. He showed great concern for those who suffer from any injustice, he exuded humanity and humility," Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala wrote on X.

“The passing of Pope Francis is a great loss. He was a man who opened up previously taboo topics in the Church with humanity and inspired others in the pursuit of dialogue,” the Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, Marketa Pekarová Adamová said.

“Pope Francis was a good shepherd who, above all, by his personal example and his kind attitude, was able to inspire people and lead them in faith or to faith,‘ Labour and Social Affairs Marian Jurečka of the Christian Democrats wrote. "He has departed from this world at Easter, when anger and death were defeated by hope, love and resurrection. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his service, I think he was able to inspire millions and give them strength and hope in difficult circumstances," Jurečka added.

Archbishop of Prague, Jan Graubner said a funeral mass will be celebrated for Pope Francis at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague on Friday. The funeral mass will be celebrated by Apostolic Nuncio Jude Thaddeus Okolo. Churches around the country will ring their bells in honour of the Pope at 6pm on Friday.