Vatican City (TDI): World leaders and faith communities are mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 following a recent battle with double pneumonia.
As the news broke, heartfelt tributes poured in from across the globe, honoring the first Latin American pontiff’s legacy of compassion, humility and advocacy for the vulnerable.
US Vice President JD Vance, who had recently met the pope during his trip to Italy, expressed his condolences to the Christians around the world.
“I have just received the news of Pope Francis’s passing. My thoughts are with the millions of Christians across the globe who held him dear. I feel fortunate to have seen him yesterday, although it was clear he was seriously ill. But I will always remember him for the homily he gave in the very early days of Covid. It was really quite beautiful.”
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to “a great man, a great shepherd”.
“I had the privilege of his friendship, his guidance and his teachings, which never ended even in times of hardship and suffering,” Meloni said in a statement.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in his message on the occasion said: “Throughout his pontificate Pope Francis had always supported the most vulnerable and the most fragile, and that he did this with a lot of humility. In this time of war and brutality, he had compassion for others, for the most vulnerable.”
Indian PM Narendra Modi also paid glowing tribute to the deceased pontiff, stating that “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the globe.”
Read More: Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday, Aged 88
“He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope. I lovingly recall my interactions with him and was greatly moved by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be valued. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”
German Chancellor-in-Waiting Fredrich Merz stated Pope Francis would be remembered for tireless commitment to the weakest members of society.
“He was guided by humility and faith in God’s mercy,” Merz said in a statement.
Read More: Pope Francis Recovering, Keeps Up Light Work
President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David expressed deep shock on the news of Pope Francis’s death.
“Let us ring the bells of our churches and gather our people in prayer for the eternal repose of the Holy Father Pope Francis who passed away just moments ago.”
