VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America and a global advocate for the poor, peace, and the environment, has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday, stating he had been battling a severe case of double pneumonia.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, led the Roman Catholic Church for over a decade and was widely recognized for his humility, progressive views, and tireless work for social justice.
In response to his passing, a wave of condolences and heartfelt messages flooded in from around the globe.
U.S. President Donald Trump offered a brief tribute on Truth Social, writing, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” Former President Joe Biden remembered him as “one of the most consequential leaders of our time,” praising his dedication to equity and compassion.
French President Emmanuel Macron commended Francis for standing by society’s most vulnerable, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted his personal friendship and guidance, even in times of illness.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called him “a transcendent voice for peace and human dignity,” citing his environmental advocacy as pivotal to the Paris Climate Agreement.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama described him as “a rare leader” whose actions stirred moral reflection. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York reflected on his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, linking it to the resurrection message he so deeply believed in.
World leaders across continents echoed the sentiment. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Pope’s spiritual courage and remembered their meetings with admiration. President Lula da Silva of Brazil and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum mourned the loss of a humanitarian voice for the oppressed.
In Africa, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Kenya’s William Ruto highlighted his fight for justice and dedication to developing nations. South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa lauded his inclusive vision for humanity.
European figures, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasized Francis’s compassion and courage in leading during turbulent times.
Pope Francis’s advocacy for Middle East peace was also noted. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised his support for the Palestinian cause and efforts toward interfaith unity. Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas both remembered him as a man of faith and peace who bridged religious and political divides.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Australia’s Anthony Albanese emphasized the Pope’s commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship. Argentina’s President Javier Milei, despite past tensions, expressed deep sorrow, calling it an honor to have known the Pope.
While many praised his legacy, some groups offered a more complex view. Anne Barrett Doyle of Bishop Accountability acknowledged Francis’s impact on global humanitarian issues but criticized his lack of decisive action on clergy sexual abuse within the Church.
As tributes continue to pour in, Pope Francis is remembered by millions as “The People’s Pope,” a figure who championed love, inclusion, and the moral responsibility of both individuals and institutions. His passing marks the end of a transformative era in the history of the Catholic Church and beyond.
