Sunday, April 3 2005 09:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Joining other world leaders, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Apr 3, 2005) condoled the death of Pope John Paul II.

Singh called him "people's Pope" who especially endeared himself to Indians when he granted sainthood to Mother Teresa.

Singh said he was a great reconciler to religion and a humanist.

The 84-year-old pontiff, died in his private Vatican apartment yesterday (Apr 2, 2005) after suffering heart and kidney failure following two hospitalizations in as many months.

The pontiff who travelled extensively in Asia and Africa also visited India.