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 University 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 has sparked tributes from across the world:
Italy
Italian 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.
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 first lady Melania Trump.
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
The Russian Orthodox Church credited Francis with helping foster closer ties between Moscow and the Vatican, according to a statement carried by the state-run TASS news agency. The patriarchate said the late pope played an important role in advancing dialogue between the two historic branches of Christianity.
India
Indian 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
French President Emmanuel Macron praised the 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.
Germany
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, said Francis would be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the marginalised. “He was guided by humility and faith in God’s mercy,” Merz wrote on X.
United Kingdom
King Charles III said he was “most deeply saddened” by Francis’s death, praising his “compassion” and commitment to unity and the environment. He recalled their recent meeting with “particular affection” and called the pope a “faithful follower of Jesus Christ”.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, saying Francis’s “tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all” would be remembered.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, a Catholic convert, said Francis was admired for his “humility, compassion and unwavering commitment” to both Christians and non-Christians.
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.”
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.
Iran
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged Francis’s global spiritual influence. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran “extends condolences to all Christians around the world.”
Philippines
In Asia’s most predominantly Catholic country, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said he was shaken and saddened. “Oh, my God. I am so shocked by this,” he said. “Let us please ring the bells of our churches and call our people to prayer for the eternal repose of the holy father, Pope Francis, who passed on.”
The post ‘A man of the people’: World reacts to the death of Pope Francis appeared first on Al Jazeera.
