Pope Francis was a symbol of gentleness and love for his fellow men, a man who inspired the world through his simplicity and courage, said the President of the Senate, Mircea Abrudean.

„It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was a symbol of gentleness and love of fellow human beings. A man who inspired the world with his simplicity and courage. The world has lost a remarkable spiritual leader, but his legacy lives on in our hearts. May God rest him in peace,” Mircea Abrudean wrote on Facebook on Monday.

Pope Francis died Monday morning at the age of 88, the Vatican announced in a video statement, according to AFP and Reuters.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, was 88 and had recently survived double pneumonia.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013.

AGERPRES