Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy led tributes to Pope Francis from political leaders around the world on Monday, praising him as “a great man and a great pastor.” Most paid homage to the pope’s commitment to speaking out on behalf of the poor.
“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering,” said Ms. Meloni, who visited Francis while he was hospitalized in February. She said in a post on social media that the pope had called the world to “seek the path of peace, pursue the common good and build a more just and equitable society. His teaching and his legacy will not be lost.”
President Emmanuel Macron of France said that Pope Francis had brought joy and hope to the world’s poorest.
“From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest,” Mr. Macron said in a message on social media. Francis, the world’s first pope from Latin America, was born in Buenos Aires and was later archbishop there. Mr. Macron said his thoughts were with Catholics around the world who were grieving.
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said in a message on X that the pope had “inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love.”
Several of the leaders who praised the pope noted his leadership in speaking out on behalf of people who might otherwise lack a voice easily heard in political circles.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, said she had met the pope recently and noted his “strong leadership in protecting the most vulnerable & defending human dignity.
Matthew Mpoke Bigg is a London-based reporter on the Live team at The Times, which covers breaking and developing news.
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