Leaders from around the world have paid tribute to Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II who died on Saturday at the age of 71.

In a telegram sent to the Queen, Pope John Paul said he hoped Princess Margaret, who died after suffering a stroke, would find peace.

Princess Margaret had conquered the affections of Italians, who will remember her cordial and human character

Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi

"Commending your sister to the God of all consolation and praying that she will find eternal rest beyond the travails of human life and the frailty she knew in recent years, I invoke upon all who are mourning her loss the peace which is Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead," he wrote.

Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi remembered the Queen's younger sister as a frequent and welcome visitor to Italy.

"Princess Margaret had conquered the affections of Italians, who will remember her cordial and human character," he said.

French President Jacques Chirac sent a letter to the Queen expressing condolences in the name of the French people.

"In these circumstances, particularly painful at a time when the Golden Jubilee of your reign is beginning, I would like to express... my sincere condolences and kindly ask you to forward to Princess Margaret's children the expression of my profound sympathy."

Europe mourns

Speaking on behalf of all European Union countries, Spain's Foreign Minister Josep Pique, whose country holds the bloc's rotating presidency said:

People throughout the Commonwealth will be saddened

Don McKinnon, Commonwealth secretary general

"I would like to express our sadness and our condolences to the British royal family... "

A spokesman for King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain said they had telephoned Queen Elizabeth to express their condolences.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent his condolences to the Queen, his office said.

"People throughout the Commonwealth will be saddened by the passing away of Princess Margaret," Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon said.

Heartfelt condolences to the Queen, the government and the people of Great Britain

South African Government

Other Commonwealth leaders also sent messages of sympathy.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said people in his country would be saddened to hear of the princesses death.

"I extend my sympathies and condolences to her family, in particular the Queen - her sister - and the Queen Mother."

The South African Government said it joined the international community in expressing its "heartfelt condolences to the Queen, the government and the people of Great Britain".

Other reaction to the death of Princess Margaret came from Morocco's King Mohammed VI, who said he was deeply saddened by the news of the death and asked the Queen to convey his sympathies to all the members of the Royal Family.