Putin praises Pope Francis, sends his condolences

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his condolences connected the passing of Pope Francis, the Kremlin said connected Monday.

"Please judge my astir sincere condolences connected the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis," Putin said successful a connection to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.

"Throughout the years of his pontificate, helium actively promoted the improvement of dialog betwixt the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, arsenic good arsenic constructive practice betwixt Russia and the Holy See."

"In this bittersweet hour, I would similar to convey to you and the full Catholic clergy my words of sympathy and support," Putin said successful the message.

Pope Francis, the archetypal Latin American person of the Roman Catholic Church, has died, the Vatican said successful a video connection connected Monday.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Gleb Stolyarov; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge)