African leaders praised the "legacy of compassion" and "commitment to inclusivity" of Pope Francis as they joined global mourning over his death on Monday.
Francis, an energetic reformer who inspired widespread devotion from Catholics but riled traditionalists, died aged 88.
The chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, praised "the Pope's courageous engagement with the African continent, amplifying the voices of the voiceless, championing peace and reconciliation, and standing in solidarity with those affected by conflict and poverty".
Francis, whose real name was Jorge Bergoglio, was leader of the Catholic Church since March 2013.
