RABAT, (Reuters) – The sudden death of Rayan Awram (5 years old), despite a heroic effort to rescue him at a well, triggered a large outpouring in sympathy from everyone involved, from the Vatican to his northern Moroccan village to King Mohammed, to all international football teams.

Many people around the world were captivated by the tale of the unsuccessful rescue attempt.

Rayan was thrown into the Ighran well near Chefchaouen village on Tuesday. He died later that night. After a lengthy operation which involved cutting a lot of the hillside adjacent and tunneling to the bottom, Rayan’s body was pulled from the ground late Saturday.

Rayan had died, and many rescue workers who were teetering around the well awaiting good news broke down when Rayan told them.

“I heard people shout in jubilation after the boy was found thinking he was alive but then we learnt he was not. I never felt this sad,” an onlooker called Noureddine told Reuters.

Following the recovery of their son’s remains, Al Oula TV interviewed his parents.

“This is God’s will. Rayan’s mother Ouassima Charchich thanked everyone for helping, although her voice was strained by grief and barely audible.

Khalid Awram (father) said that “We Thank So Much the People and Authorities… Who Helped Us.”

According to a palace statement, King Mohammed offered condolences by phone on Saturday night.

While it wasn’t yet known when the funeral would occur, many well-wishers traveled to the village to send condolences on Sunday.

We feel sorry for everyone. There is no alternative. Mohammed Kharshish said that Mohammed Kharshish was the uncle and father of the child. “May God grant patience.”

Pope Francis expressed gratitude to the people of Morocco that they came together in rescuing the boy.

“The people rallied together in order to save Rayan. Together, they saved a child.” The pope spoke during his weekly blessing on St. Peter’s Square. He stated that although the rescuers did their best to save Rayan, they failed.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he felt the pain of Rayan’s family and of Moroccans.

Soccer clubs including Liverpool FC, Manchester United, FC Barcelona‮ ‬and FC Sevilla also expressed condolences on their Arabic Twitter (NYSE:) accounts.