Church bells tolled across Rome, and tributes have been pouring in from around the world after the Vatican on Monday announced the death at age 88 of Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church since 2013.
Francis made his last public appearance at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, after a prolonged hospitalization due to a respiratory issue that had developed into double pneumonia.
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Before his death, Francis on Sunday also met briefly with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who is Catholic, at the Vatican. (Francis had previously criticized the Trump Administration’s immigration policies.)
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Vance posted on X early Monday that he had just learned of the Pope’s passing, and he shared a link to a March 2020 homily that he said he would remember him by. “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” Vance noted. “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”
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A number of other global leaders also mourned Francis and honored his legacy in statements.
Donald Trump
The White House posted “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis” on X, alongside images of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump meeting with Francis in 2017 and Vance’s recent meeting.
Trump later said he and the First Lady will attend Francis’ funeral, posting on his social media platform Truth Social: “We look forward to being there!”
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Javier Milei
President Javier Milei of Argentina, where Francis was originally from, posted on X, “It is with profound sorrow that I learned this sad morning that Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, passed away today and is now resting in peace.”
Born in Buenos Aires in 1936, Francis became the first Argentinian pope. But he never visited his homeland during his papacy, in part out of concern that he would face political pressures, although he raised the possibility of returning last year. “I am worried because the people are suffering a lot. It is a difficult moment for the country,” he said in an interview on an Italian program on Jan. 14, 2024. He met with Milei at the Vatican in February last year.
“Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his kindness and wisdom was a true honor for me,” Milei added in his tribute.
Micheál Martin
Micheál Martin, Ireland’s taoiseach, also issued a statement on social media to extend his condolences. Martin celebrated Francis’ “long and distinguished papacy” and “unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity. He spoke out for the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed. His solidarity with refugees, his calls for climate action, and his insistence on global peace and equality set him apart as a champion of justice in the modern world.”
Martin added that the late Pope holds “a special place in the hearts of the Irish people,” citing a visit to Ireland in August 2018, where Francis expressed pain and shame about historic child abuse in the Catholic Church.
“I had the honour of meeting Pope Francis in Dublin Castle during that visit and was impressed by his vision of a Catholic Church that is open, compassionate, and focused on the needs of the most vulnerable,” Martin added. “He shared with us his deep concern with the issues of social justice and human rights, and his profound commitment to alleviating suffering. Pope Francis's legacy is his message of peace, reconciliation, and solidarity that lives in the hearts of those he inspired. May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to guide us as we strive to build a world that reflects his vision of love and compassion for all.”
Keir Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement, “Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost the faith-fuelled hope of a better world.”
“With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs,” Starmer added.
King Charles
King Charles also shared a message on X: “His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. … The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.”
Emmanuel Macron
“From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite Humans with each other and with nature. May this hope perpetually rise beyond him,” French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X.
Roberta Metsola
Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, posted on X: “Europe mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe. ‘The People’s Pope’ will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice.”
Ursula von der Leyen
“Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis,” Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, posted on X. “He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate. My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”
Friedrich Merz
“Francis will be remembered for his tireless commitment to the weakest in society, to justice and reconciliation. Humility and faith in God’s mercy guided him in this,” Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, posted on X in German. “In doing so, the first Latin American to sit on the Holy See touched people worldwide, across denominational boundaries. My thoughts at this time are with the faithful around the world who have lost their Holy Father.”
Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, also posted a message on X, which included a photo of him and Francis together: “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Modi said, adding: “I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”
Filippo Grandi
Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, posted on X: “You stood up and spoke out—relentlessly—for the poor, the persecuted, the victims of war, the refugees, the migrants. May you continue to give us faith and courage in this brutal world.”
Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X: “Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church. He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!”
Francis was outspoken in his stance against war and appeals for peace, including calling for ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza. “In Ukraine, rivers of blood and tears are flowing. This is not just a military operation but a war which sows death, destruction and misery,” he said on March 6, 2022 about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences on the Pope’s death on Monday, according to Reuters. “Throughout the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See,” Putin said.
William Samoei Ruto
Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto posted on X, “This is a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world. Pope Francis will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving the Lord, the Church, and humanity. … His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background.”
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, a Catholic-majority country in Southeast Asia, told local reporters that Francis was “one of a kind,” adding: “I love this Pope. The best Pope in my lifetime as far as I’m concerned.”
In an official statement posted on social media, Marcos said: “A man of profound faith and humility, Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten. … It is a profoundly sad day.”
James Marape
Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea, where almost a third of the population is Catholic, extended his condolences. “Pope Francis led with grace and courage, and his voice for the voiceless resonated around the world. His legacy will endure in the hearts of millions, including the people of Papua New Guinea,” Marape said in a statement.
Joseph Aoun
President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon mourned Francis’ passing, calling the late pontiff “a dear friend and staunch supporter” of the crisis-hit country and his death “a loss for all of humanity,” in a post on X in Arabic. “The late Pope always held Lebanon in his heart and prayers, and he repeatedly called on the world to support Lebanon in its ordeal,” Aoun added. “We will never forget his repeated calls to protect Lebanon and preserve its identity and diversity.”
Flags were flown at half-mast at Baabda Palace, the official presidential residence in honor of the Pope.
Abiy Ahmed
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali of Ethiopia said in a statement on social media: “I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come.”
Fattah al-Sisi
In a statement, Egypt President Fattah al-Sisi mourned Francis’ death and mentioned his support for Palestinians, saying: “His departure leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of compassion and humanity that will forever remain etched in the conscience of mankind.”
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Giorgia Meloni
Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her grief over the Pope’s passing in a post on X in Italian. “I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering,” Meloni said. “In the meditations of the Via Crucis, he reminded us of the power of the gift, which makes everything flourish again and is capable of reconciling what in the eyes of man is irreconcilable. And he asked the world, once again, for the courage to change direction, to follow a path that ‘does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, protects’. We will walk in this direction, to seek the path of peace, pursue the common good and build a more just and equitable society. His teaching and his legacy will not be lost. We greet the Holy Father with hearts full of sadness, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.”
William Lai Ching-te
“My sincerest condolences on behalf of the people of Taiwan to the Catholic community and everyone mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” its President William Lai Ching-te posted on X. “We will continue to draw inspiration from his lifelong commitment to peace, global solidarity, and caring for those in need.” The Vatican is one of a few states to have full diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva posted on X in Portuguese after the Pope passed: “humanity loses a voice of respect and acceptance of others. Pope Francis lived and propagated in his daily life the love, tolerance and solidarity that are the basis of Christian teachings.”
Anthony Albanese
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement shortly after the Francis’ death, saying: “The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere was ‘close to the people of Australia’. For Australian Catholics, he was a devoted champion and loving father.”
Jose Ramos-Horta
Jose Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste, which is mostly made up of Catholics, told Reuters that Francis “leaves behind a profound legacy of humanity, of justice, of human fraternity, a tremendous loss for the world, not only for Christians.” Ramos-Horta added that national flags would be flown at half-mast for one week in honor of the late pontiff.
Muhammad Yunus
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is the interim leader of Bangladesh, said in a post on X that “the people of Bangladesh, who were deeply honoured by His Holiness’ historic visit to our country in 2017, join the global community in mourning this great loss.”
“I have been honoured to meet many times with Pope Francis and to work closely with him to foster peace, human dignity and environmental stewardship,” Yunus added. “With his passing away, we have seen the end of an epoch of dignified papacy, honed by suave leadership qualities, carried out for uplifting human dignity, interfaith harmony, and justice for the marginalized.”
Dalai Lama
According to a post on Instagram, the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, wrote to Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, to express his sadness over Francis’ death. “His Holiness Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others,” the Dalai Lama said, “consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”
Claudia Sheinbaum
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the late pontiff in a post on X in Spanish, calling Francis a “humanist who stood for the poor, peace, and equality.” She added: “He left behind a great legacy of true love for one's neighbor. For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, this is a great loss. Knowing him was a great honor and privilege. May he rest in peace.”
Viktor Orbán
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán posted on X: “We mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis @Pontifex - a shepherd who led with courage & unwavering faith. Twice, we had the honour of welcoming him to Hungary. His prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Hungary, still resonates: ‘Instil into the hearts of people and the leaders of nations the desire to build peace.’ We will honour his legacy. May he rest in eternal peace.”
Isaac Herzog
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog posted on X in Arabic: “The late Pope Francis was a man of great faith and compassion, who dedicated his life to serving the poor around the world and advocating for peace in a complex and turbulent time. His Holiness understood the importance of deepening relations with the Jewish world and sought to promote interfaith dialogue as a means of achieving mutual understanding and respect.”
Gustavo Petro
Colombia President Gustavo Petro posted on X that a “great friend” had passed away and that as a result he felt “a little alone.”
Of Francis, Petro added: “He fully understood his role as a spiritual leader in the great struggle for life, in the greedy causes of extinction. His encyclicals will go down in history if we are able to build a humanity that defends its greatest good: Life.”