Vatican City, April 21 -- World leaders have expressed deep sorrow and paid heartfelt tributes following the passing of Pope Francis, remembering him as a compassionate spiritual leader.

From Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, they mourned the death of Pope Francis.

Meloni expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, calling him a "great man and a great pastor."

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni wrote, "Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father. This news saddens us deeply, because a great man and a great pastor has left us. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teac...