Anwar said he had the opportunity to visit the pope during his early days at the Vatican, and credited Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to interfaith understanding, championing the marginalised, and environmental stewardship.

He said the pope had always advocated for peace and was greatly respected even by Muslims for his consistent efforts to build bridges across faiths and cultures.

“He spoke with moral clarity on the immense suffering in Gaza, reminding the world that we must show the same compassion to all victims of violence, wherever they may be.

“He also championed the dignity of migrants and refugees, urging the international community to respond to their plight with humanity and conscience.

“He will be remembered not only as the first pope from the Global South, but as a moral voice of compassion, humility and justice in a turbulent world,” he said in a Facebook post.

Anwar conveyed his condolences to the Holy See as well as to Catholics in Malaysia and around the world.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope in March 2013, becoming the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

His death was announced by the Vatican today, a day after Easter Sunday, and following a serious bout of double pneumonia.