Some world leaders have reacted to the death of Pope Francis the head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City state.
Pope Francis died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced.
His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released by the Vatican. He said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7.35 am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Pope Francis’s death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter’s Basilica despite still convalescing after a severe illness.
French President, Emmanuel Macron, stated “man of humility”, the Dutch PM described him as a “role model for Catholics and non-Catholics alike”.
Indian Prime Minister stated, “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.
I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace”.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof says “Pope Francis was in every way a man of the people;”
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola says “his contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe;”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog hails his “boundless compassion;”
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter says Pope Francis was a “great spiritual leader, a tireless advocate for peace;”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney describes him as “a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation;”
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Farrell, an Irish-born Cardinal who has served as prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life, as Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church also said.
Meanwhile, an estimated 1.4 billion Catholics across the world will mourn Francis’ passing.
See the post below:
The King’s message following the death of Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/tnwvSoXcMh
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 21, 2025
Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the… pic.twitter.com/QKod5yTXrB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2025
Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. ✝️ pic.twitter.com/8CGwKaNnTh
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2025
