Pope Francis, the primary Latin American pontiff within the historical past of the Roman Catholic Church, has died aged 88, the Vatican says.
His demise on Monday got here shortly after a bout of double pneumonia that saved him hospitalised for 5 weeks at Rome’s Gemelli College Hospital.
Only a day earlier, the pontiff made what can be his last main look as he greeted hundreds of Easter worshippers from an open-top popemobile in St Peter’s Sq. and delivered a blessing via an aide.
The demise of the 266th pope has sparked tributes from the world over:
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni mourned the lack of “a fantastic man, a fantastic shepherd” and expressed deep sorrow.
“I had the privilege of having fun with his friendship, his recommendation, his teachings, which by no means ceased, not even throughout instances of trial and struggling,” she stated. “We are saying goodbye to the holy father with a coronary heart stuffed with unhappiness.”
Italy’s soccer authorities postponed matches scheduled for Monday.
Argentina
The presidency workplace stated that it deeply “regretted” the demise of the primary Argentine chief of the Catholic Church. Chainsaw-wielding President Javier Milei, who beforehand clashed with the pope, praised Francis’ deal with inter-religious dialogue, encouragement of spirituality amongst the younger, and deal with cost-cutting within the Vatican.
European Union
European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen stated Francis’s life was outlined by his efforts to construct a fairer and extra peaceable world. “He impressed hundreds of thousands, far past the Catholic Church, along with his humility and love so pure for the much less lucky,” she stated.
United States
The White Home shared a tribute on social media, writing “Relaxation in Peace, Pope Francis” alongside a photograph of the pope assembly President Donald Trump and the primary girl. Vice President JD Vance, who met the pope on Sunday, stated; “My coronary heart goes out to the hundreds of thousands of Christians all around the world who liked him.”
Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his “honest condolences,” praising the efforts of Francis to strengthen ties between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Church buildings. The Moscow Patriarchate echoed the sentiment, saying the late pontiff had performed a key function in advancing dialogue between the 2 branches of Christianity.
India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated: “Pope Francis will at all times be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and religious braveness by hundreds of thousands the world over. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For many who have been struggling, he ignited a spirit of hope.”
France
French President Emmanuel Macron praised the pontiff for his enduring solidarity with society’s most susceptible. “On this time of conflict and brutality, he had a way for the opposite, for probably the most fragile,” Macron stated, commending his humility.
Philippines
Within the Philippines, which boasts Asia’s largest Catholic inhabitants, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr known as Francis “the perfect pope in my lifetime,” praising his humility, religion, and compassion for the poor. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David expressed shock and urged church buildings to ring their bells and name folks to prayer for the pope’s “everlasting repose”.
Poland
Polish President Andrzej Duda hailed Francis as “a fantastic apostle of mercy”, saying the pontiff’s instance supplied solutions to modern challenges. “In his pastoral ministry, he was guided by humility and ease.”
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated Francis can be mourned by Australians of all faiths, describing him as “a faithful champion and loving father” to Catholics. “His compassion embraced all humanity,” Albanese informed ABC Information. “He urged us to listen to the cry of the earth and bear in mind all we share.”
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated the pope’s passing was a loss not just for Catholics however for humanity. “Might his soul relaxation in everlasting peace, and will his legacy of compassion, humility and repair to humanity proceed to encourage generations to come back,” he stated.
East Timor
President Jose Ramos-Horta described Francis’s demise as a world loss. He introduced the nation’s flags can be lowered to half-staff for every week with a Mass to observe in tribute to the pope’s life and repair.
Germany
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, stated Francis can be remembered for his unwavering dedication to the marginalised. “He was guided by humility and religion in God’s mercy,” Merz wrote on X.
Iran
Iran’s Ministry of International Affairs acknowledged Francis’s international religious affect. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated Iran “extends condolences to all Christians world wide.”
United Kingdom
King Charles stated he was “most deeply saddened,” praising Pope Francis’ “compassion,” dedication to unity, and the atmosphere. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, saying Francis’s “tireless efforts to advertise a world that’s fairer for all” can be remembered.
