The global community is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, the supreme spiritual leader of the Christian faith and head of the Vatican City State. Leaders from around the world have expressed their condolences.
Pope Francis passed away due to severe pneumonia at 7:35 a.m. local time on Monday, April 21. He was 88 years old.
After the Vatican administration confirmed his death through a video message, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said, “I just received the news of Pope Francis’ passing. I had intended to visit him yesterday, but he was too ill. I will always remember him. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was gripped with fear, his daily messages of peace were a great source of comfort. Like millions of Christians across the globe, my heart is heavy with grief.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as “a great man and a great leader” and said, “I had the honor of knowing him and receiving his advice during the hardest times of my life.”
French President Emmanuel Macron stated, “He always stood with the weak and oppressed. He was a humble and selfless man. In a world filled with war and violence, he dedicated his life to advocating for peace and the welfare of the downtrodden.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to him as “a beacon of humility, compassion, and spiritual courage,” adding, “He tirelessly served the poor and oppressed, spreading hope among those in despair. I had the opportunity to meet him a few times, and his vision for inclusive and balanced development has always inspired me. We will always remember his love for the people of India. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Friedrich Merz, a potential candidate for Germany’s chancellorship, wrote on social media, “His focus was always on the welfare of the most vulnerable. He lived his life with faith, humility, and divine grace.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed, “He was a deeply faithful man with boundless compassion. He devoted his life to helping the poor and promoting peace in a troubled world, especially through his prayers for the people of the Middle East.”
Filipino Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said, “Oh God! I am devastated and heartbroken.”
According to the Vatican’s official website, The Holy See, Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His father, Mario, an Italian immigrant, worked as an accountant for the railways, and his mother was Regina Sivori.
Trained as a chemist, Jorge Mario later turned to religion, eventually studying philosophy and theology. He became a priest in 1969 and was appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998.
Due to old age and health issues, Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013. Jorge Mario was then elected Pope and took the name Francis, becoming the first Pope from South America.
When he assumed office, the Catholic Church was reeling from sexual abuse scandals and internal conflicts within the Vatican. He came with a mandate for reform and sought to restore discipline, although he faced criticism from conservatives who accused him of undermining Church traditions.
Despite criticisms, Pope Francis remained popular worldwide, traveling extensively to promote interfaith dialogue and peace. He consistently voiced support for marginalized communities and migrants.
He believed the Church should be open to all, including members of the LGBT community, whom he welcomed into the Church with the expectation that they respect its rules.
Earlier this year, his autobiography “Hope” was published by Penguin Random House.