Former Jamaican lawmaker and Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church, Ronald Thwaites says Pope Francis’ life has been a gift to the world.

The Pope, who was the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday.

He was 88 years old.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, Thwaites said the late Pope was a figure of peace and justice, especially for those who have been marginalized.

He said Pope Francis represented all people and not just those affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

Until a new Pope is chosen, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo acts as the head of the Vatican.

It typically takes between two and three weeks for a new Pope to be chosen.