The late Pope Francis/ FILEBarely hours after Pope Francis blessed tens of thousands of faithful at St Peter’s Square during Easter Mass, the Vatican announced his death on Monday morning.
The Pope had been sick with a life-threatening pneumonia. He died aged 88.
World leaders have united to mourn the man of cloth, paying homage to his commitment to global peace and wise leadership.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised him as “a great man and a great pastor.”
“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering,” she said.
Meloni was among those who visited Pope Francis while he was hospitalised in February.
“He called the world to choose 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,” she added.
King Charles III commended the late Pope for his work in safeguarding the planet and for his dedication to unifying the church.
“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," Charles said.
"His belief that care for creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world."
US Deputy President JD Vance gave homage saying he will always remember Pope Francis for “below homily, he gave in the very early days of Covid. It was really quite beautiful”.
“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,” Vance said.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. May God rest his soul.”
President Emmanuel Macron of France said that Pope Francis had brought joy and hope to the world’s poorest.
“From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature,” Macron said.
“May this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him. To all Catholics, to a grieving world, my wife and I send our thoughts.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Pope Francis was a “consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice.”
“He actively encouraged the development of a dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and the Roman Catholic churches, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See,” he added.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the Pope devoted his life to serving God, the people and 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!” he said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Pope Francis as a courageous leader who reached out to people all beliefs around the world.
“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 hope of a better world,” Kier said.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof paid tribute to Francis, saying the pope “was in every way a man of the people.
“The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognised the burning issues of our day and called attention to them," he said.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands said they were “deeply moved” by the death of Pope Francis, remembering him as a man who radiated compassion and lived in service of the vulnerable.
“We remember our personal meetings with him warmly, including during our state visit to the Holy See in 2017,” the royal couple said in a written statement. “Pope Francis radiated mercy in everything he did.”
“From his early years in Argentina to his papacy, Pope Francis was deeply committed to fostering interfaith dialogue and ensuring that the memory of the Holocaust remained a guiding lesson for future generations,” he said.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the Pope inspired people across the globe, regardless of their faith.
“Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis. 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,” Ursula said.
“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.”
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa said Pope Francis had "humility" and a profound commitment to "making the Church and the world a better place"
“As the leader of the Church and a global figurehead, Pope Francis advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalised individuals and groups, as well as responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment,” Ramaphosa said.
“His extraordinary life story and ascendancy to the Holy See unfolded with humility and a profound commitment to making the Church and the world a better place for all of humanity.”
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis”, as he send his condolences to the global Catholic community.
“Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ,” Modi said.
“He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope. 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.”
Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi said Pope Francis "was a voice of peace, love and compassion"
“We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. This is a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world,” he said.
“He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable.”
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also joined the world leaders and Catholic faithful in mourning Pope Francis.
In his message of condolence, the fourth President eulogised Pope Francis as a true embodiment of religious unity.
“I recall the visit of Pope Francis to our great nation in November 2015 where most Catholic faithful and Kenyans in general renewed their faith and trust in God.
“During that visit, the Pope encouraged Kenyans and pilgrims from across the region to live together as children of the Almighty to portray the true image of God who cherishes peace, harmony and love amongst mankind,” the former President said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki described Pope Francis as an inspiration to many through his acts of service to others.
He said his death is a great loss to the Catholic church and hoped that his legacy would live on.
"The death of Pope Francis is a monumental loss to Catholic faithful around the world. He inspired millions of people and lived a simple life of grace and service to others. May his legacy live on, may his soul find rest," the DP said.
