RIGA, April 21 (LETA) - President Edgars Rinkevics has expressed condolences to Catholics and the Catholic Church on the death of Pope Francis.

The President tweeted that the news of the death of Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church was very sad. He stresses that the Pope was a compassionate and kind man and will be greatly missed.

Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) also expresses her condolences, saying that her thoughts are with the millions of people around the world who are grieving and who held Pope Francis dear. Silina stresses that Pope Francis will be remembered for his humility, his concern for the poor and his focus on inclusion.

The AFP news agency reports that Pope Francis died on Monday aged 88, a day after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said in a statement.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

"This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church."

Francis's death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter's Basilica despite still convalescing after a severe illness.

Francis had come close to dying twice earlier this year while suffering from pneumonia.

He spent 38 days in hospital before he was released on March 23.

On Sunday he wished the crowds on Saint Peter's Square a "Happy Easter" as he waved and in his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" ("To the City and the World") benediction he called for freedom of thought and tolerance.