Pope Francis died Monday morning in the Vatican at the age of 88. His death sparked a wave of emotion and reactions across the globe. Political leaders, religious figures, and faithful from around the world paid tribute to the Argentine pontiff, who left a mark on the Catholic Church through his emphasis on mercy.
United States
"Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!," US President Donald Trump, who clashed with the Argentine pontiff on a number of issues, wrote on his Truth Social platform.
US Vice President JD Vance, who was briefly received by Pope Francis on Sunday hours before his death, on Monday sent his thoughts “to the millions of Christians around the world who loved him”.
“My heart goes out to the millions of Christians around the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday (Sunday, ed. note), even though he was obviously very ill,” Vance, currently visiting India, said on social network X.
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.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 21, 2025
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…
Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday hailed the late Pope Francis as a "defender" of "humanism and justice", and praised his efforts to promote dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.
Putin said Francis, who died on Monday, was a "wise" religious leader, "statesman" and "consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice", in a letter to the Vatican published by the Kremlin.
Mexico
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday called the passing of Pope Francis a "great loss," saying it was a "great honor and privilege" to have known him.
"A humanist who opted for the poor, peace and equality. He leaves a great legacy of true love for his neighbor. For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, it is a great loss," Sheinbaum wrote on X.
Venezuela
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro mourned Monday the passing of Pope Francis, hailing his work to battle inequalities in a statement released by the foreign ministry.
"Pope Francis was a transformative spiritual leader, whose clear and courageous voice denounced the inequalities of the dominant system and called for building a more humane, fairer and deeply supportive world," the statement read.
Iran
Iran, a Muslim country that maintains good relations with the Vatican, offered its condolences following the death of the head of the Catholic Church.
"My colleagues just informed me of the news (...), I extend my condolences to all Christians around the world," said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei during a press conference, adding that he was "praying to Almighty God for peace" for Pope Francis.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron quickly reacted on social media: "From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continue to rise beyond him. To all Catholics, to the grieving world, my wife and I send our thoughts," he posted on X.
This statement highlights two major pillars of the pontificate: social commitment to the most vulnerable and an integral ecological vision, notably developed in the encyclical Laudato Si, where the Argentine pontiff called for a global “ecological conversion.”
Israel
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised "a man of deep faith and endless compassion."
"He rightly placed great importance on strengthening ties with the Jewish world and promoting interfaith dialogue as a path to better understanding and mutual respect," Herzog emphasized in a message released by a presidential spokesperson.
Palestine
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas paid tribute to Pope Francis, calling him a "faithful friend of the Palestinian people," the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.
"Today, we lost a faithful friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights," Abbas said, noting that Pope Francis "recognized the Palestinian state and authorized the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican."
Egypt
The death of Pope Francis "is a profound loss for the entire world, as he was a voice of peace, love, and compassion," Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said.
Extending his condolences, Sisi said the late Catholic leader was an exceptional global figure who "worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and build bridges of dialogue... and was a champion of the Palestinian cause, defending legitimate rights and calling for an end to conflict."
United Arab Emirates
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed expressed his “deepest condolences to Catholics around the world” after the death of Pope Francis.
European Union
Pope Francis "inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, through his humility and his pure love for the most deprived," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
"My thoughts are with all those who feel this profound loss," added the German leader on X, expressing hope that the legacy of the Argentine Jesuit "continues to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful, and compassionate world."
Germany
German Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz expressed his "deep sadness" on Monday following the death of Pope Francis, honoring the memory of a man "guided by humility and faith in God’s mercy."
Pope Francis "will be remembered for his tireless commitment" in favor "of the most vulnerable, for justice and reconciliation," Merz wrote on X.
Der Tod von Papst Franziskus erfüllt mich mit großer Trauer. Franziskus wird in Erinnerung bleiben für seinen unermüdlichen Einsatz für die Schwächsten der Gesellschaft, für Gerechtigkeit und Versöhnung. Demut und der Glaube an die Barmherzigkeit Gottes leiteten ihn dabei. Damit…
— Friedrich Merz (@_FriedrichMerz) April 21, 2025
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed sorrow on Monday over the death of Pope Francis, saluting his dedication "to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable" in a message on the social network X shortly after the announcement of his death.
He leaves behind "a deep legacy. May he rest in peace," he added about the Argentine pontiff.
Italy
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said "a great man has left us" after Pope Francis died on Monday.
"Pope Francis has returned to the Father's home. It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us," Meloni said in a statement.
Poland
Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Monday paid tribute to Pope Francis, calling the late pontiff a "good, warm and sensitive man".
"Pope Francis has died. A good, warm and sensitive man. May he rest in peace," Tusk wrote on X.
Papież Franciszek nie żyje. Dobry, ciepły i wrażliwy człowiek. Niech spoczywa w pokoju. pic.twitter.com/81XgK1gu4f
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) April 21, 2025
Ireland
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin has paid tribute to Pope Francis, calling him “a champion of justice in the modern world” and a defender of the “poor” and “oppressed.”
Pope Francis “spoke out for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed,” wrote Micheál Martin in a message posted on X. He was “a champion of justice in the modern world,” he added, highlighting his “solidarity with refugees” and his calls for action on climate and world peace.
Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday mourned the death of Pope Francis, saying the Catholic leader had "prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians."
"We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians," Zelensky wrote on social media.
Argentina
Argentine President Javier Milei paid tribute Monday to Pope Francis's "wisdom" despite the pair's "differences", following the pontiff's death.
"In spite of differences that today seem minor, to have known him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me," Milei posted on X.
Javier Milei will decree seven days of national mourning after the death of Pope Francis, his spokesman said Monday.
India
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday he was "deeply pained" by the death of Pope Francis, saying that the pontiff had served the poor and offered hope to the suffering.
"Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage by millions across the world," the Hindu-nationalist leader said in a statement. "I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development."
Ethiopia
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent his "deepest condolences" after the death 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," Abiy wrote in a post on X.
I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Pope Francis @Pontifex. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come. pic.twitter.com/TBQQ9kT0NG
— Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹 (@AbiyAhmedAli) April 21, 2025
Kenya
Kenya's President William Ruto said the death of Pope Francis was "a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world."
"He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable," Ruto wrote on X.
"His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background," he added.
AFP
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