Sunday, April 3 2005 09:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: President A P J Abdul Kalam today (Apr 3, 2005) condoled the death of Pope John Paul II, saying the world has lost a statesman who worked for human dignity and freedom throughout his life.

"I am deeply saddened on the passing away of Pope John Paul II," the President said in an initial message.

"The world has lost a church leader and a statesman who throughout his life worked for human dignity and freedom and for the needy and oppressed. He tirelessly worked for peace on this planet and to establish an international order based on equality and justice", he said.

Kalam said, "The Government and the people of India join me in paying tribute to the departed soul", according to Rashtrapati Bhawan spokesman S M Khan.