Pope Francis is joining the chorus of leaders paying tribute to Nelson Mandela. A Vatican spokesperson read a telegram the pontiff sent to South African President Jacob Zuma, in which the church leader praised the anti-apartheid hero's committment to non-violence and expressed hope that Mandela's example will "inspire generations of South Africans".<br/> <br />The outpouring of sorrow over Mandela's death extended to tourists and locals visting the Vatican as its traditional Christmas tree was decorated.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) GERBEN TJEERDSMA, DUTCH TOURIST, SAYING:<br/> <br />"It's a loss. It's a very large loss for the world but I think he did so many good things."<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) KATIE JOLAND, BRITISH TOURIST, SAYING:<br/> <br />"You know, I know what a legend he was and I have a lot of respect for him. It's just really, really sad news."<br/> <br />Local newspapers hailed Mandela as a hero and morning commuters reading them in Rome echoed that thought.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) FRANCA FRIONI, ROME RES
