He championed cooperation between Russia, Holy See – Putin mourns Pope Francis

President Vladimir Putin of Russia has mourned the passing of Pope Francis, the Kremlin said on Monday.

Putin, in a message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, said throughout 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 cooperation between Russia and the Holy See.

The Russian leader said in a message, “Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

“In this sad hour, I would like to convey to you and the entire Catholic clergy my words of sympathy and support.”

The Vatican had announced that Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church died on Monday after suffering from pneumonia.