Pope Francis, the 266th pope, passed away at the age of 88, prompting an outpouring of tributes from leaders and citizens worldwide. His death was announced by the Vatican on Monday, just a day after his final public appearance during the Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Square.
In France, where the population is predominantly Roman Catholic, President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the pope’s influence on the Church. He noted how Pope Francis, from his beginnings in Buenos Aires to his tenure in Rome, endeavored to unite people and bring hope, particularly to the impoverished.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who had recently met with the pope, expressed condolences to the millions of Christians who cherished him. He remarked on the pope’s evident illness during their encounter, yet felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet him.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, one of the few visitors during the pope’s recent hospitalization, reflected on their friendship and the wisdom he shared with her, noting his unwavering support during challenging times. She expressed profound sadness at the loss of what she described as a great man and shepherd.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recognized Pope Francis as an inspirational figure beyond the confines of the Catholic Church. She praised his humility and commitment to the less fortunate, mourning his passing while hoping his legacy would continue to inspire a more peaceful world.
As tributes poured in, St. Peter’s Square became a gathering place for mourners, while churches across the globe, including the reopened Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, tolled their bells in his honor. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Pope Francis a man of deep faith and compassion, expressing hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East would be realized.
Social media also became a platform for remembrance. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez commended the pope’s focus on humanity’s most vulnerable. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk shared a personal photo with Pope Francis, emphasizing his warmth and compassion. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof regarded him as a true man of the people.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi lauded Pope Francis for his enduring human legacy, while Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris praised his advocacy for the poor and his commitment to environmental and interfaith issues.
However, not all reflections were without critique. The Women’s Ordination Conference expressed disappointment over Pope Francis’ stance on women’s ordination, describing it as incongruous with his otherwise pastoral nature. They viewed this as a complex and at times frustrating aspect of his leadership.
