Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88 following a serious battle with double pneumonia, the Vatican announced on Monday.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from around the world, with leaders hailing his deep spirituality, humility, and unwavering advocacy for the vulnerable.
In a statement, the White House extended condolences, posting “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis” on social media alongside images of the late pontiff meeting former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Vice President Vance, who had recently visited the Vatican, expressed his sorrow, noting: “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 (Sunday), though he was obviously very ill. I’ll always remember him for the homily he gave in the early days of COVID — it was truly beautiful.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni mourned the passing of “a great man, a great shepherd,” recalling his friendship, guidance, and enduring teachings, even during his own times of suffering.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Pope Francis for his solidarity with the vulnerable and his humility: “In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered heartfelt condolences, calling Pope Francis “a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage.” Modi reflected on their past meetings and praised the pope’s dedication to serving the poor and igniting hope in those who were suffering.
German Chancellor-in-Waiting Friedrich Merz remembered the pope for his deep faith and commitment to those in need, writing that he was “guided by humility and faith in God’s mercy.”
In the Philippines, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference, called for church bells to ring and urged prayers for the late pontiff’s eternal peace. “Let us please ring the bells of our churches and call our people to prayer for the eternal repose of the Holy Father Pope Francis who passed on just about ten minutes ago,” he said in a heartfelt appeal.
