Pope Francis, the first Latin American diocese in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican says.
His death on Monday came shortly after a double pneumonia match where he was hospitalized for five weeks at Gemeri Hospital in Rome.
Just a day ago, the Pope welcomed thousands of Easter worshippers from the open-top popemobile at St. Peters Square and gave him blessings through his aides, making what would be his last big appearance.
The death of Pope 266th was a tribute to the world.
Italy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep sadness, lamenting the loss of the “great man, great shepherd.”
“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings. It never stopped even in court or in times of suffering,” she said. “We say goodbye to our Holy Father with a heart filled with sorrow.”
Italian football authorities postponed the scheduled game on Monday.
Argentina
The Presidential Office “deeply regretted” the death of the Catholic Church’s first Argentine leader. Previously clashing with the Pope, President Javier Mairi praised Francis for his focus on interfaith dialogue, encouraging spirituality among young people, and reducing costs for the Vatican.
european union
The European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen said Francis’ life was defined by his efforts to build a more equitable and peaceful world. “He inspires millions of people far beyond the Catholic Church, and his humility and love are so pure to those who are underprivileged,” she said.
US
The White House wrote “Relaxed and Reassured, Pope Francis” along with photos of Pope President Donald Trump and the First Lady. In another post on the Truth Society, Trump wrote:
Vice President J.D. Vice President J.D. Vice President Vance, who met the Pope on Sunday, said, “My heart appears to millions of Christians around the world who love him.”
Russia
President Vladimir Putin said he “expressed his sincere pathetic dolph and praised his efforts to strengthen relations between the Russian Orthodox and the Catholic Church. The Moscow patriarchy reflected sentiment and said that the late Pope played an important role in pursuing dialogue between the two branches of Christianity.
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Pope Francis is always remembered as a sign of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions of people around the world. He served the poor and oppressed people with great utmost determination.
France
President Emmanuel Macron praised the late Pope for being a lasting solidarity with the society’s most vulnerable society. “In this age of war and cruelty, he had a sense for others, the most vulnerable,” Macron praised his humility.
Brazil
President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva welcomed Pope Francis with his work on climate change and social justice. “His simplicity, courage and empathy brought Francis the topic of climate change to the Vatican,” he said. “The Pope has vehemently criticized the economic model that has led to so many injustice in humanity.”
Mexico
President Claudia Sinbaum called Pope Francis a “big loss” and said it was “big honor and privilege” to know him. “A humanist who chose the poor, peace, equality. He leaves a great legacy of true love for his neighbors. It’s a huge loss for Catholics and non-Catholics,” she wrote in X.
South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “Catholics and people of all faiths are grieved today by the death of spiritual leaders who sought to unite humanity.” He praised the Pope’s defense for inclusion, equality and environmental management.
Palestine authority
President Mahmoud Abbas called Francis “a loyal friend of the Palestinians” and “a strong defender of peace, love and faith.” He never wavered the Pope’s support for Palestinian rights and justice, noting that Francis “recognized the Palestinian state and approved the publication of the Palestinian flag in the Vatican.”
Bangladesh
Nobel Prize winner Mohammed Yunus, leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, called Pope Francis “the spirit of true friends and tribes.” He recalled his “deep connection” with the late Pope, who he described as “a towering figure of moral clarity, humility and compassion in our time.”
Philippines
In the Philippines, which boasts the largest Catholic population in Asia, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is called Francis, “the best pope of my life,” and praises his humility, faith and compassion for the poor. Pablo Cardinal Virgilio David expressed shock, urging the church to ring their bells and call on people to pray for the Pope’s “eternal reconciliation.”
Poland
Polish President Andrzezi Duda praised Francis as “the great apostle of mercy,” saying that the pope’s example provided answers to modern challenges. “In his idyllic ministry, he was led by humility and simplicity.”
Spain
The European country has declared three days of mourning. Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said in a television speech that the country regretted the “death of a good man and the great Pope” and praised Francis’ “reformed” Pope for “leaving a legacy for history.”
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Francis would lament all his faith to Australians and describe him as “a dedicated champion and loving father” to Catholics. “His compassion has embraced all humanity,” Albanese told ABC News. “He urged us to hear the cries of the earth and remember everything we share.”
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abhiy Ahmed said the Pope’s death was a loss not only for Catholics but for humanity. “May his soul sleep in eternal peace, and the legacy of compassion, humility and service for humanity continue to inspire future generations,” he said.
East Timor
President Jose Ramos Horta described Francis’ death as a global loss. He announced that the national flag will be dropped to staff for a week and a half.
Egypt
Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church lamented Pope Francis and called him “a true example of Christian humility.”
Germany
German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz said Francis will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to marginalized groups. “He was led by humility and faith in God’s mercy,” Meltz writes in X.
Iran
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the global spiritual impact of Francis. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran “sorrows dol to all Christians around the world.”
Tibet
The Dalai Lama offers Buddhist prayers, sends letters to the Pope’s envoy, and “expresses sadness” death. “Pope Francis was dedicated to the service of others. His own actions made him consistently clear how he would live a simple but meaningful life,” he said in a statement from his base in exile in India. “The best compliment we can pay him is to be a warm person and serve others wherever we can.”
England
King Charles said he was “the deepest and most saddened,” praised Pope Francis for his “compassion,” his commitment to unity, and his environment.
Prime Minister Kiel Starmer expressed his sadness and said that Francis’ “continuous efforts to promote a world of fairness for all.”
united nations
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed what he called the historical influence of Pope Francis as a voice of peace and human dignity.
“I will join the world in hope, humility, and mourning the death of his sacred Pope Francis, the messenger of mankind,” he said in a statement.
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