Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox church began preparations on Sunday for the Tuesday funeral of Pope Shenuda III, who died on Saturday aged 88 after a long battle with illness.

Egypt's Coptic Orthodox church began preparations on Sunday for the Tuesday funeral of Pope Shenuda III, who died on Saturday aged 88 after a long battle with illness.

Based on wishes stated in his will, Shenuda will be buried at the St. Bishoy monastery in Wadi Natrun in the Nile Delta, where he spent his time in exile after a dispute with late president Anwar Sadat, state media reported.

Bishop Pachomious of the Nile Delta province of Beheira has taken over papal duties for two months until a council of senior clergy meet to choose a new pope, state television added.

Coptic Bishops from around the world have already started to fly in to attend meetings over the funeral and plan for Shenuda's succession.

The spiritual leader of the Middle East's largest Christian minority had suffered health problems for years, travelling to the United States frequently for treatment.

US President Barack Obama hailed Coptic Pope Shenuda III as an "advocate for tolerance and religious dialogue," in a statement he issued after his death.

Obama said in the statement that he and his wife Michelle "are saddened to learn of the passing of Coptic Christian Pope Shenuda III, a beloved leader of Egypt's Coptic Christians and an advocate for tolerance and religious dialogue."

"We stand alongside Coptic Christians and Egyptians as they honor his contributions in support of peace and cooperation," the US president said, while US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered the nation's "deepest condolences."

"As we reflect on his life and legacy, we reaffirm our support to the future peace and prosperity of Egypt," she said in a statement.

For its part, Iran expressed its condolences over the departure of the Egyptian spiritual leader.

In a message he sent, Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdullahian praised the constructive and great efforts of the late Pope Shenouda in line with establishment of justice and peace throughout the globe, IRNA reported.