Tributes poured in from around the world following the announcement of Pope Francis’s passing at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday, sparking a wave of condolences and reflections on his impactful legacy.
French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted Pope Francis’s influence on the Church, noting his efforts to spread joy and hope from Buenos Aires to Rome, particularly among the poor. Macron expressed hope that the Pope’s legacy would continue to inspire unity among people and with nature.
US Vice President JD Vance, who recently met with the Pope on Easter Sunday before traveling to India, shared his condolences with millions of Christians grieving his loss. Vance recalled the Pope’s evident illness during their last meeting, expressing gratitude for the encounter.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of the few official visitors during Pope Francis’s recent hospitalization, emphasized the personal guidance and friendship she received from him. Meloni described his passing as a deep sorrow for losing both a great leader and a spiritual guide.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to Pope Francis as a source of inspiration beyond Christianity, highlighting his humility and compassion for the less fortunate. She offered thoughts to those feeling the profound loss, hoping his legacy would continue guiding the world towards justice and peace.
In St. Peter’s Square, crowds gathered in mourning, while churches worldwide, including Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, rang their bells in his honor. Flowers were laid in remembrance of the pontiff’s influence.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, holding a largely ceremonial role, expressed his condolences, praising Pope Francis for his deep faith and compassion. Herzog hoped for the fulfillment of the Pope’s prayers for Middle East peace and the safe return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Pope Francis had often criticized wartime actions of Israel and advocated for investigations into genocide allegations, which Israel denied. On social media, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez commended the Pope’s dedication to the world’s most vulnerable. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk shared a photo with the Pope, calling him kind and warm-hearted.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof described Pope Francis as “a man of the people,” while Egyptian President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi lauded him as an exceptional global figure whose legacy of peace and justice remains impactful.
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris praised the Pope’s advocacy for the poor and efforts to enhance interfaith relations and environmental protection, viewing him as a beacon of hope.
Yet, some critics voiced dissatisfaction, notably the Women’s Ordination Conference, which lamented the Pope’s refusal to consider ordaining women. They criticized his consistent “closed-door” policy on the matter, deeming it incongruent with his pastoral nature and a betrayal to the synodal Church he championed.
The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis as the 266th pope, passing away Monday morning, a day after his final public appearance during an Easter blessing to thousands at St. Peter’s Square.
