The Russian president said he would "forever cherish" the memory of his conversations with the pontiff

President Vladimir Putin has expressed heartfelt condolences and praised the legacy of Pope Francis following the pontiff's death, highlighting his efforts to foster dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Vatican, as well as his broader humanitarian contributions.

Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, died at the age of 88, a day after attending Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.

"Pope Francis was held in great respect internationally as a devoted servant of the Christian faith, a wise religious leader and statesman, and a consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice," Putin wrote in a formal condolence message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.

Putin also reflected on the symbolic timing of the Pope's passing during Easter, which he described as significant in Orthodox Christian tradition, in response to a journalist's question during a press engagement later on Monday.

"If God calls a person to heaven during Easter time, it is a special sign that that person has not lived his life in vain," he said. "I think this is the case. The Pope has done a lot of good not only for his flock, but for the world at large."

The Russian president recalled his personal relationship with Pope Francis, noting their multiple direct and indirect communications over the years. Putin highlighted the Pope's "highly positive attitude towards Russia," stating that this would not be forgotten. He further emphasized the pontiff's role in promoting interfaith dialogue and international cooperation.

"Throughout the years of his pontificate, Pope Francis actively promoted the dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See," he said, adding that he would "forever cherish" the memory of their conversations.

During his 12-year papacy, Francis worked to improve relations between the Catholic Church and other religious denominations, visiting the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq, and meeting with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in 2016 - the first such encounter in history. Putin met with Pope Francis three times, in 2013, 2015, and 2019, with their discussions typically focusing on international crises, religious cooperation, and humanitarian concerns.