Condolences, Putin Praises Pope Francis' Role

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences for the death of Pope Francis.

"Receive my deepest condolences for the death of Pope Francis," Putin said in a message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Cameralengo of the Holy Roman Church.

"Throughout his papal years, he has actively encouraged the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, as well as constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy Throne," Putin continued.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, was announced by the Vatican in a video statement on Monday.