Grand Imam of Al Azhar mourns Pope Francis, calls him 'distinguished symbol of humanity'

Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb extended his hearfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to members of the Catholic Church around the world after the death of Pope Francis on Monday.

Calling him "a distinguished symbol of humanity", Dr Al Tayeb said that the pope "spared no effort in advancing the mission of compassion. During his papacy, the relationship between Al-Azhar and the Vatican witnessed significant development".

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The Grand Imam also acknowledged Pope Francis’s dedication to strengthening ties with Al Azhar and the Islamic world through his visits to many Islamic and Arab countries and through "his fair and humane stances—particularly his condemnation of the aggression on Gaza and his firm stand against detestable Islamophobia".

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After the late pontiff greeted tens of thousands of Catholics after the Vatican's celebration of Easter Mass on Sunday, he called again for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Francis, who was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday.

He was 88, and had suffered various ailments in his 12 year papacy.