Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh joins political leaders and celebrities around the world in paying tribute to Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday (April 21). He was 88.
On her social media account today, Yeoh posted a couple of photos and a video of her and her husband Jean Todt meeting Pope Francis several years ago.
The Ipoh-born star wrote: "A gentle soul has left us. Pope Francis was a beacon of humility, compassion, and courage. Never afraid to speak up for the most vulnerable, and always reminding us to walk with grace and kindness."
The Oscar winner, who was the Global Road Safety Ambassador for the UN, continued: "I will forever remember his warmth and his unwavering support for our UN road safety efforts.
"His compassion truly moved the world. May his spirit live on in every act of love we give to others.
"Rest in peace, Holy Father."
Other celebrities who also paid tribute to the pope include actress Eva Longoria, footballer Lionel Messi, comedienne Whoopi Goldberg and late night host Jimmy Fallon.
“Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized,” the Desperate Housewives star wrote on Instagram. “Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered.”
Meanwhile, Messi wrote: “Thank you for making the world a better place. We will miss you.”
Goldberg, who met the pope last year, wrote: “He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and non believer... He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Francis with your love of humanity & laughter.”
Fallon, who also met Pope Francis last year, remembered him fondly, saying: “It was an honor meeting Pope Francis last summer. I’m glad I made you laugh. Thank you for your encouraging words. Rest in peace.”
The Vatican issued a statement saying that Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell’s statement released by the Vatican yesterday read.
