Bengaluru, Apr 21 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday condoled the passing of Pope Francis, stating that his life was a message of love for the poor and hope for the world.

In a post on ‘X’, Siddaramaiah expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Christian community across Karnataka and around the globe.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis—a symbol of peace and compassion. His life was a message of love for the poor and hope for the world. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Christian community across Karnataka and the globe,” he wrote.

Condoling his death, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said he redefined spiritual leadership with rare courage, embracing the outcast and walking the path of true service.

“Saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American Pope, whose leadership was defined by humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to the marginalised. He redefined spiritual leadership with rare courage, embracing the outcast and walking the path of true service. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who mourn his loss worldwide,” he added.

Mourning the passing of Pope Francis, the Archdiocese of Bangalore said the world has lost not just the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, but a shepherd, a father, a friend of the poor, and a living embodiment of the Gospel.

Describing him as the “voice for the voiceless,” the Archdiocese of Bangalore further stated, “One of the most striking hallmarks of Pope Francis’ pontificate was his tireless advocacy for migrants, refugees, and the displaced. He dared the world to see in the face of the migrant not a problem to be solved, but a brother or sister to be embraced.” “A Legacy of Mercy and Hope—today, our hearts are broken, but our spirits are lifted in gratitude for the gift of Pope Francis. His gentle presence, his wise counsel, and his radiant smile will live on in the hearts of millions,” it added.

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff, who captivated the world with his humility and deep concern for the poor but often alienated conservatives with his critiques of capitalism and calls for climate action, died on Monday at the age of 88.

Francis, who had a chronic lung condition and had part of one lung removed in his youth, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, after a respiratory crisis developed into double pneumonia.

He spent 38 days there—the longest hospitalisation of his 12-year papacy. PTI AMP SSK SSK KH