By bno - Surabaya Office Singapore’s top leaders have paid heartfelt tributes to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, following a brief period of illness, The Straits Times reported.

“Pope Francis was a leader for a troubled world,” wrote President Tharman in the letter released by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 22. “He will be remembered too for his humility, his walking alongside the poor, and his respect for the dignity of every individual.”

Tens of thousands of people are expected at the funeral, including Catholic mourners, cardinals and world leaders.