Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has died at 81-years old.
He was known as a fierce advocate for human rights in the Congo, particularly during the dictatorial rule of Mobutu Sese Seko, which lasted for 32 years.
Cardinal Monsengwo Pasinya also served for five years on the Council of Cardinals, a group of cardinals chosen by Pope Francis to help reform various structures in the Vatican.
He was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
After his death, 221 cardinals remain in the College of Cardinals, of which 124 are elegible to vote in the next Conclave.
JM
