Pope Francis live updates: Leader of the Catholic Church dies at 88, Vatican confirms

Pope Francis will be remembered as "a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday, as tributes for the pontiff continued.

"From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden," Modi's statement read in part.

He added, "For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope. I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God's embrace."

The president of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, said the pontiff had "exemplified servant leadership through his humility."

He added, "We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. This is a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world. Pope Francis will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving the Lord, the Church, and humanity."

Prime Minster Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom echoed those thoughts, praising Francis' "tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy."

"Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis," Starmer said in a statement released by his office. "His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church."

And in Germany, the current and incoming chancellors released statements.

Olaf Scholz, the current leader, said: "With the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church and the world lose an advocate for the weak, a reconciling and a warm-hearted person. I greatly appreciated his clear view of the challenges we face. My sympathies go out to the religious community worldwide."

And Friedrich Merz, the incoming chancellor, said Francis will be remembered for "his tireless dedication to the weakest in society."

"The death of Pope Francis fills me with great sadness. Francis will be remembered for his tireless dedication to the weakest in society, for justice and reconciliation," Merz continued. "Humility and faith in God's mercy guided him. In doing so, the first Latin American on the Holy See touched people worldwide and across denominational boundaries. My thoughts are with the faithful around the world in these hours, who have lost their Holy Father. May he rest in peace."

-ABC News' Somayeh Malekian, Zoe Magee and Dragana Jovanovic

Britain's King Charles and his wife, Camilla, were "deeply saddened" to learn of the pope's death, the monarch said in a statement on Monday, weeks after the pair met with Francis on a state visit to Italy.

"His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others," Charles' Monday statement said in part.

He added, "His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many."

-ABC News' Zoe Magee

Tributes to Pope Francis poured in on Monday, as presidents, prime ministers and other world leaders reacted to the news of his death.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Francis for wanting “Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest.”

"From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him,” Macron said in a statement in French. “My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog hailed the pontiff’s "boundless compassion,” saying he sent his “deepest condolences to the Christian world.

“A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world,” Herzog’s statement read in part.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said Francis’ "contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe"

"Europe mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe,” he said. “‘The People’s Pope’ will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice. May he rest in peace."

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said Francis was "a leader who recognised the burning issues of our day and called attention to them” “and that he was “in every way a man of the people.”

“The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognised the burning issues of our day and called attention to them,” Schoof said. “With his sober way of life, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was a role model for many – Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect."

-ABC News’ Somayeh Malekian

The death of Pope Francis, 88, was announced Monday by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who serves as camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Farrell said in a statement.

He continued: "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."