(Al Jazeera Media Network) Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, has died aged 88, the Vatican says.
His death on Monday came shortly after a bout of double pneumonia that kept him hospitalised for five weeks at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Just a day earlier, the pontiff made what would be his final major appearance as he greeted thousands of Easter worshippers from an open-top Popemobile in St Peter’s Square and delivered a blessing through an aide.
The death of the 266th pope prompted tributes from across the world:
Italy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni mourned the loss of “a great man, a great shepherd” and expressed deep sorrow.
“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which never ceased, not even during times of trial and suffering,” she said. “We say goodbye to the holy father with a heart full of sadness.”
Italy’s football authorities postponed matches scheduled for Monday.
Argentina
The presidency office “deeply regretted” the death of the first Argentinian leader of the Catholic Church. President Javier Milei, who previously clashed with the pope, praised Francis’s focus on interreligious dialogue, encouragement of spirituality among the young, and focus on cost-cutting in the Vatican.
European Union
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Francis’s life was defined by his efforts to build a fairer and more peaceful world. “He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate,” she said.
United States
The White House shared a tribute on social media, writing “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis” alongside a photo of the pope meeting President Donald Trump and the first lady. In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
Vice President JD Vance, who met the pope on Sunday, said: “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”
Russia
President Vladimir Putin expressed his “sincere condolences”, praising the efforts of Francis to strengthen ties between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Churches. The Moscow Patriarchate echoed the sentiment, saying the late pontiff had played a key role in advancing dialogue between the two branches of Christianity.
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.”
France
President Emmanuel Macron praised the late pontiff for his enduring solidarity with society’s most vulnerable. “In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile,” Macron said, commending his humility.
Brazil
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hailed Pope Francis for his work on climate change and social justice. “With his simplicity, his courage and empathy, Francis brought the topic of climate change to the Vatican,” he said. “The pope vigorously criticised the economic models that have brought so much injustice to humanity.”
Mexico
President Claudia Sheinbaum called the passing of Pope Francis a “great loss”, saying it was a “great honour and privilege” to have known him. “A humanist who opted for the poor, peace and equality. He leaves a great legacy of true love for his neighbour. For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, it is a great loss,” she wrote on X.
South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “Catholics and people of all faiths are saddened today by the passing of a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity.” He praised the pope’s advocacy for inclusion, equality, and environmental stewardship.
Palestinian Authority
President Mahmoud Abbas called Francis a “loyal friend of the Palestinian people” and a “strong defender of peace, love and faith”. He said the pope’s support for Palestinian rights and justice never wavered, noting that Francis “recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican.”
Bangladesh
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, called Pope Francis a “true friend and kindred spirit”. He recalled his “profound connection” with the late pontiff, whom he described as a “towering figure of moral clarity, humility, and compassion in our time.”
Philippines
In the Philippines, which boasts Asia’s largest Catholic population, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr called Francis “the best pope in my lifetime”, praising his humility, faith, and compassion for the poor. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David expressed shock and urged churches to ring their bells and call people to pray for the pope’s “eternal repose”.
Poland
Polish President Andrzej Duda hailed Francis as “a great apostle of mercy”, saying the pontiff’s example offered answers to contemporary challenges. “In his pastoral ministry, he was guided by humility and simplicity.”
Spain
The European country has declared three days of mourning. Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said in a televised address that the country regrets “the death of a good man and a great pope,” and praised Francis’s “reformist” papacy that “will leave a legacy for history.”
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Francis would be mourned by Australians of all faiths, describing him as “a devoted champion and loving father” to Catholics. “His compassion embraced all humanity,” Albanese told ABC News. “He urged us to hear the cry of the earth and remember all we share.”
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the pope’s passing was a loss not only for Catholics but for humanity. “May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come,” he said.
East Timor
President Jose Ramos-Horta described Francis’s death as a global loss. He announced the nation’s flags would be lowered to half-staff for a week with a mass to follow in tribute to the pope’s life and service.
Egypt
Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church mourned Pope Francis, calling him “a true example of Christian humility.”
Germany
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, said Francis would be remembered for his unwavering commitment to marginalised groups. “He was guided by humility and faith in God’s mercy,” Merz wrote on X.
Iran
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged Francis’s global spiritual influence. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran “extends condolences to all Christians around the world.”
Tibet
The Dalai Lama offered Buddhist prayers, writing to the papal envoy to “express his sadness” over the death. “Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others … consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life,” he said in a statement from his base in exile in India. “The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”
United Kingdom
King Charles said he was “most deeply saddened”, praising Pope Francis’s “compassion”, commitment to unity, and the environment.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, saying Francis’s “tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all” would be remembered.
United Nations
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed what he called Pope Francis’s historic influence as a voice for peace and human dignity.
“I join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a messenger of hope, humility and humanity,” he said in a statement.
http://aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/21/a-man-of-the-people-world-reacts-to-the-death-of-pope-francis
