Biden calls Pope Francis "one of the most consequential leaders of our time"

Washington — Former President Joe Biden called Pope Francis "one of the most consequential leaders of our time" in a statement marking the death of the 88-year-old pontiff Monday. 

"It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis," Biden said in a statement.

The former president, who is Catholic, said Francis was "unlike any who came before him," adding that "I am better for having known him."