Pope John Paul II has died at the age of 84, ending one of the longest papacies in history.
Here are some of the reactions from around the world to the announcement of the pontiff’s death.
We all feel like orphans this evening.
Vatican Undersecretary of State Archbishop Leonardo Sandri
A good and faithful servant of God has been called home.
The world has lost a champion of peace and freedom.
US President George W Bush
I was deeply saddened by the death of Pope John Paul II.
Quite apart from his role as a spiritual guide to more than a billion men, women and children, he was a tireless advocate of peace, a true pioneer in interfaith dialogue and a strong force for critical self-evaluation by the Church itself.
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan
The world has lost a religious leader who was “revered across people of all faiths and none.”
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
This mourning deeply marks France as well as every French person, who identifies with the message of the Catholic Church.
French President Jacques Chirac
History will… record that John Paul II made a vital contribution to the democratic transformation of central and eastern Europe, and to the end of the Cold War.
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin
The angels welcome you.
Vatican TV
Israel, the Jewish people and the entire world, lost today a great champion of reconciliation and brotherhood between the faiths.
This is a great loss, first and foremost for the Catholic Church and its hundreds of millions of believers, but also for humanity as a whole.
Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom
And yet, another original post. Your really showing your creative side. :)
Sad yet happy, now on to Sainthood! (dads birthday is on the 5th remember)