Photo: The Canadian Press

Shimon Peres, a former Israeli president and prime minister, whose life story mirrored that of the Jewish state and who was celebrated around the world as a Nobel prize-winning visionary who pushed his country toward peace, died early Wednesday. He was 93.

His son, Chemi, confirmed his death Wednesday morning to reporters gathered at the hospital where Shimon Peres had been treated for the past two weeks.

Peres' condition worsened following a major stroke two weeks ago that led to bleeding in his brain. He was sedated and on a respirator during most of his hospitalization.

"Today with deep sorrow we bid farewell to our beloved father, the ninth president of Israel," Chemi Peres said.

"Our father's legacy has always been to look to tomorrow. We were privileged to be part of his private family, but today we sense that the entire nation of Israel and the global community share this great loss. We share this pain together."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement mourning the passing of Peres. He said he will convene his Cabinet for a special session later in the day. After that, a special committee was to meet to prepare arrangements for a funeral that many international dignitaries and world leaders are expected to attend.

As word of Peres' death spread, reaction started pouring in from around the globe.

"Shimon Peres was, above all, a man of peace and a man dedicated to the well-being of the Jewish people," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a statement late Tuesday night.

"Over the course of his long and distinguished life, Mr. Peres made enormous contributions to the founding and building of the State of Israel. He was devoted to promoting understanding between his country and its neighbours, and shared a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to create peace in the Middle East."

Trudeau added that Peres was a "great friend to Canada" who visited often and "helped build relations that remain strong to this day."

Gov. Gen. David Johnston said in a statement that Peres "meant so much to Israel, to Jewish people in Canada and around the world."

"He will be missed and remembered by all those whose lives he has touched."

Former prime minister Stephen Harper posted a message on Twitter saying he and his wife, Laureen, "are saddened to learn of the passing of dear friend Shimon Peres." Harper offered "sincere condolences to the Peres family and to the people of Israel.