World leaders are mourning the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He died on Monday at the age of 88.
The Pope, who led the Catholic Church, passed away in the Vatican. Leaders from across the world say it’s a huge loss.
“My heart goes out to Christians everywhere” – US Vice President Vance
US Vice President James David Vance met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday. He said the Pope already looked sick during their meeting.
“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.”
“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 of COVID. It was really quite beautiful.”
“May God rest his soul.”
“He served the poor and gave them hope” – India’s Modi
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, described the Pope as kind and caring. He said the Pope gave hope to the poor.
“Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt 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. 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.”
“We’ll keep walking in the direction he showed” – Italy’s Meloni
Italian Prime Minister, Georgia Meloni, said she was blessed to know Pope Francis personally. She called him a great teacher.
“Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father. This news saddens us deeply, because a great man and a great pastor have left us.”
“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering.”
“In the meditations of the Via Crucis, he reminded us of the power of the gift, which makes everything flourish again.”
“And he asked the world, once again, for the courage to change direction, to follow a path that ‘does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, protects’.”
“We will walk in this direction, to seek the path of peace, pursue the common good and build a more just and equitable society.”
“We greet the Holy Father with hearts full of sadness, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.”
“He inspired millions” – EU’s Von der Leyen
President of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, said the Pope’s legacy touched people everywhere.
“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. 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.”
“He prayed for peace in the Middle East” – Israel’s Herzog
Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, shared his sympathy with Christian communities, especially in the Holy Land.
“I offer my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the Christian world in general, and to the Christian communities in the Holy Land in particular, on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.”
“The late Pope Francis was a man of great faith and compassion, who dedicated his life to serving the poor around the world and advocating for peace in a complex and turbulent time.”
“His Holiness understood the importance of deepening relations with the Jewish world and sought to promote interfaith dialogue as a means of achieving mutual understanding and respect.”
“I hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East will be fulfilled and that all those abducted will return soon.”
“May his humanitarian legacy inspire further charitable work, efforts to promote unity, and instill hope in people’s hearts.”
“He brought joy to the poor” – France’s Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron said Pope Francis wanted the Church to care for the poor and nature.
“From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest.”
“May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him.”
“My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world.”
“A humble servant of God” – Nigeria’s President Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the Pope’s death. He described him as a humble leader who cared for the weak.
“Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.”
“He was a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.”
“His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”
“In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.”
“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home—this Earth—is a gift we must protect.”
“He built bridges between faiths and between the rich and the poor.”
“He was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, speaking against economic injustice and praying for peace.”
“His encyclicals were timely and relevant. They offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world.”
“As we mourn, let us also celebrate his legacy. Let us honour him with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.”
“May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest.”
“A moral compass in a troubled world” – Peter Obi
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi called the Pope a symbol of moral leadership. Obi met him three times.
“I received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.”
“His death marks the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world.”
“Pope Francis embodied the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion. He led with humility, spoke with wisdom, and acted with moral courage.”
“He constantly strove to draw humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice, and love.”
“His deep concern for the poor, his steadfast advocacy for moral leadership, and his defence of human dignity earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations.”
“As a member of the Scholas Occurrences Foundation, founded by Pope Francis, I deeply appreciate his belief in education, dialogue, and youth empowerment.”
“His legacy will live on not only in the hearts of the faithful but also in the global conscience he helped shape.”
“In an age marked by division and uncertainty, his voice remained a steady call to unity, mercy, and justice.”
“May God, in His infinite mercy, grant eternal rest to his gentle soul.”
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