Pope John Paul yesterday recalled Mother Teresa as a tiny figure driven by a love of Christ to help the poorest of the world's poor. The Pope, speaking from Castel Gandolfo, said the revered nun was a tremendous example to the people of the world, regardless of their religious faith.
"My dear ones, in this moment of prayer, we remember our dear sister, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who two days ago concluded her long walk on earth," he said.
"I met her many times, and she lives in my memory as a tiny figure, whose entire existence was the service of the poorest of the poor, but who was always full of an inexhaustible spiritual energy, the energy of the love of Christ."
The Pope said Mother Teresa's work transcended the Catholic world and should serve as a global example.
Meanwhile, world leaders continued to pay tribute to the late Mother Teresa describing her as a symbol of "goodness, compassion and faith," with messages transcending national and religious boundaries.
President Yeltsin in a message to the Indian government, said he learned of her death with "a profound feeling of bitterness and sadness."
The Philippine President, Mr Fidel Ramos, said: "The demise of Mother Teresa is not your irreparable loss alone but of the whole world" noting her "deep compassion for and tireless works among the poorest of the poor of Calcutta and of the entire world".
Leaders and the press in Pakistan praised Mother Teresa's services for the under-privileged, describing her as a "beacon of hope for the poor".
The former prime minister and opposition leader, Ms Benazir Bhutto, praised her contribution to relieving the "sufferings of the poor, the sick and the destitute".
A representative of Mother Teresa's 10 Australian convents, Sister Superior Joachina, said in Melbourne that the founder of her order would be rejoicing now that she was "with Jesus".
The Australian Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, on Saturday led Australia in paying its respects.
The Indian Prime Minister, Mr Inder Kumar Gujral, represented a "bereaved nation" and offered his personal tribute.
Dressed in black, he paid homage at St. Thomas Church, Calcutta, where Mother Teresa's body is on display for the thousands of mourners to pay their respects.
"She was a beacon of light and hope who removed the tears of suffering millions. We are fortunate that Mother Teresa started the Missionaries of Charity in this country."
In Brussels, the leader of Belgium's Catholic community, Cardinal Gotfried Daneels, said Mother Teresa met the definition of sainthood.
The Belgian government also paid tribute to Mother Teresa yesterday, describing her as a symbol of international solidarity.