The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, sparking a wave of sorrow across the globe. In Lebanon, the news reverberated deeply, uniting both political and religious leaders in mourning the loss of a spiritual icon whose message of peace and inclusion touched millions.
The Presidency of the Council of Ministers declared a three-day mourning period on the occasion of Pope Francis death, starting on Monday, until Wednesday. Flags on public buildings and institutions will be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning, and the usual programming of radio and television stations will be modified to take account of this momentous event.
A Loss for All Humanity
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun shared his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), describing the pope’s death as “a loss for all humanity.” He praised Pope Francis as “a powerful voice for justice and peace,” noting his unwavering commitment to defending the poor and marginalized and his promotion of interfaith dialogue.
“Here in Lebanon, a country of diversity, we feel the loss of a dear friend and a strong ally,” Aoun wrote. He also recalled the pope’s consistent support for Lebanon’s stability and identity, adding, “We will never forget his repeated appeals to protect Lebanon.” Aoun extended condolences to the Holy See and the global Catholic community.
Political Leaders Across the Spectrum Pay Tribute
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also honored the pontiff, calling him “a man of love and peace.” In his tribute, Salam said, “Lebanon has lost a devoted supporter, and the world has lost a humble and compassionate leader.” He highlighted Pope Francis’ efforts to promote global brotherhood, referencing the Document on Human Fraternity he co-signed with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and his many visits to the world's most remote and troubled regions.
Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati called Pope Francis “a distinguished spiritual and humanitarian figure” who built bridges between nations and continuously advocated for Lebanon’s unity and resilience. “He worked tirelessly to mobilize international support for solutions to our country’s crises,” Mikati wrote.
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri reflected on his personal connection to the pope, describing him as “a fatherly and tolerant figure” whose compassion left a lasting impression. “I had the honor of knowing him personally,” he said. “Pope Francis carried Lebanon in his heart.”
Minister of Information Paul Morcos hailed the pope as “a humble shepherd and a voice of global conscience.” In an official statement, he said the pontiff’s death represents “a profound loss not just for the Catholic Church, but for all humanity.” Morcos emphasized Francis’ role as a messenger of peace, justice and mercy, calling on the Lebanese to draw strength from his faith and legacy to “reinforce national unity and hope for the future.”
MP Michel Moawad, head of the Independence Movement, expressed deep sorrow, describing the late pope as “a man of humble faith, boundless tolerance and openness.” For Moawad, Pope Francis’ death is the loss of “a noble voice for truth and peace,” he added that his legacy “will remain a guiding light for our conscience in these troubled times.” He also extended condolences to the Catholic Church, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Paolo Borgia and Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai, to whom he wished a swift recovery. He ended his message with the Easter proclamation, “Christ is risen… He is truly risen.”
Beirut MP Fouad Makhzoumi paid tribute to Pope Francis as “a man who devoted his life to peace, love and bringing people and religions closer together.” He described him as a leader of “exceptional wisdom, humility and courage.” Makhzoumi said Lebanon had lost “a loving friend, deeply committed to coexistence,” while the Church had lost a visionary pastor. “May his noble humanitarian message live on in the conscience of the world,” he wrote.
Marada Movement leader Sleiman Frangieh remembered the pope as “a man of the simple and the poor,” praising his legacy of tolerance, humanity and humility. “Your Holiness, you have left a legacy,” he wrote.
MP Edgard Traboulsi extended “sincere condolences to all Catholics and Christians in Lebanon, the Levant and around the world,” concluding with the Easter proclamation, “Christ is risen.”
Former Minister Wadih el-Khazen, in an official letter to the Vatican, remembered the pope as “a powerful voice for peace, justice and love in a troubled world.”
Ahmad Hariri, Secretary-General of the Future Movement, remembered Pope Francis as a “symbol of humility and openness,” deeply committed to dialogue and peace. He noted the pope’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s unique model of coexistence, offering condolences to the universal Catholic Church and “our Christian brothers in Lebanon.”
Remembered by Religious Leaders and Beyond
Religious figures also paid tribute, including Archbishop Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian, Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church in Lebanon, who called Pope Francis “a faithful, humble and loving servant of the universal Church.” He added that the pope “embodied the mercy of God in a world thirsty for hope.”
Bishop Michel Aoun of the Maronite Diocese of Jbeil issued an emotional statement, describing Pope Francis’ passing as a return “to the house of the Heavenly Father,” after a life of “faithful, loving and apostolic service to the Church.” He announced he would suspend end-of-year greetings out of mourning and prayed for the pope’s eternal rest and for the Church to be guided by “holy shepherds.”
Ziad el-Sayegh, director of the Civil Influence Hub (CIH), shared a heartfelt message, “I will miss you. The universe will miss you. From the Heights where you now are, pray for us.”
From across the political and spiritual spectrum, tributes continue to pour in as a testament to Pope Francis’ universal appeal. He was beloved for his humility, unwavering compassion for the vulnerable and tireless advocacy for peace.
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