Ouagadougou: The government of Burkina Faso expressed its deep sadness this Monday following the death of Pope Francis, which occurred on the morning of April 21 at the age of 88, after twelve years at the head of the Catholic Church.

According to Burkina Information Agency, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Pingdwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo, the Burkinabe executive paid tribute to "a humanist and a craftsman of Love" who placed his pontificate under the banner of human fraternity and the fight for the most vulnerable.

The government particularly highlights the surge of solidarity shown by the Sovereign Pontiff towards Burkina Faso, which has been severely affected by the security crisis.

"The government remembers the pain shared by His Holiness with the Burkinabe people and the families of the victims of terrorism," the statement read.

In these hours of mourning, the Burkinabe government extends its deepest condolences to the Vatican City State, to the Church Family of God in Burkina Faso, and to all Catholics throughout the world.

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first pontiff from Latin America, left a profound mark on his era with his simplicity, his commitment to peace, and his openness to the realities of his time.