Messages of tribute and condolences have surged globally in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing on Monday at the age of 88.
Elected as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church following the resignation of Benedict XVI in 2013, Francis made history as the first Jesuit pope and the first pontiff hailing from the Southern Hemisphere, born in Argentina to Italian-Argentinian parents.
During his papacy, he emerged as a reformer who frequently challenged the more traditionalist elements within the Catholic Church, earning a following among progressive sectors for his advocacy of social justice and his support for marginalized communities.
His final official engagement took place on Easter Sunday, where he met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance just a day before he died.
In a touching tribute via social media, Vance expressed his sorrow, stating: “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”
The official X account of the White House shared two images of the late pontiff, one featuring him with former President Donald Trump and another with Vance, captioning it with: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared heartfelt sentiments on her official Facebook page, declaring: “Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s house. A news that pains us deeply, because a great man and a great pastor leaves us. I have had the privilege to enjoy his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never diminished even in times of trial and suffering.”
French President Emmanuel Macron took to X to express his thoughts, saying: “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him. My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world.”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof hailed Francis as “in every way a man of the people.”
In a statement, King Charles of the U.K. conveyed that he and the Queen were mourning “the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ,” noting that the late Pope would be remembered for his compassion, dedication to Church unity, and his relentless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith.
Friedrich Merz, a leading candidate for the next Chancellor of Germany, shared his condolences, highlighting Pope Francis’ “tireless commitment to the weakest in society, to justice and reconciliation.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda celebrated the Vatican leader’s legacy, acknowledging him as being “guided by humility and modesty.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Francis for his “humility and pure love for the less fortunate,” expressing her thoughts for all those who are feeling this profound loss.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog extended his “deepest condolences” to the global Christian community and particularly to the Christian populations in Israel, referring to the late Pope as their “great spiritual father.” He noted Francis’ long-standing denunciation of violence in the Middle East and his vocal calls for a ceasefire amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Additionally, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei conveyed his condolences to Christians worldwide regarding the passing of Pope Francis, as reported by an NBC translation of a Telegram post from Iran’s semi-official news outlet, Fars News.
