Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at age 88, says the Vatican.
His death on Monday came shortly after an episode of double pneumonia that kept him hospitalized for five weeks at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
Just a day before, the Pontiff did what would be his final appearance when greeting thousands of Easter worshipers of a Popemobile open in the Plaza de San Pedro and delivered a blessing through an assistant.
The death of the 266th Pope caused tributes around the world:
Italy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cried the loss of “a great man, a great shepherd” and expressed deep sadness.
“I had the privilege of enjoying their friendship, their advice, their teachings, which never ceased, not only deepening the times of judgment and suffering,” he said. “We say goodbye to the Holy Father with a heart full of sadness.”
Italy soccer authorities postponed scheduled matches for Monday.
Argentina
The Office of the Presidency “deeply lamented” the death of the first Argentine leader of the Catholic Church. President Javier Milei, who previously crashed with the Pope, praised Francis’s approach in the interreligious dialogue, the stimulus of spirituality among young people and the focus on reducing costs in the Vatican.
European Union
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that Francis’s life was defined by his efforts to build a more fair and peaceful world. “He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and so pure love for the less fortunate,” he said.
USA
The White House shared a tribute on social networks, writing “Rest in La Paz, Pope Francis” along with a photo of the Pope who met with President Donald Trump and the first lady. In a separate publication on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Rest in La Paz Pope Francis!
Vice President JD Vance, who with the Pope on Sunday, said: “My heart is with the millions of Christians around the world who loved him.”
Russia
President Vladimir Putin expressed his “sincere condolences”, praising Francis’s efforts to strengthen ties between the Russian orthodox and Catholic churches. The Patriarchy of Moscow echoed the feeling, saying that the late Pontiff had played a key role in the advance of the dialogue between the two branches of Christianity.
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a lighthouse of compassion, humility and spiritual courage throughout the world.
France
President Emmanuel Macron praised the late Pontiff for his lasting solidarity with the most vulnerable of society. “In this moment of war and brutity, it made sense to the other, for the most fragile,” Macron said, praising his humility.
Brazil
President Luiz Inacio Da Silva praised Pope Francis for his work on climate change and social justice. “With its simplicity, its courage and empathy, Francis brought the issue of climate change to the Vatican,” he said. “The Pope vigorously criticized the economic models that have brought so much injustice to humanity.”
Mexico
President Claudia Sheinbaum described the death of Pope Francis as a “great loss”, saying that it was a “great honor and privilege” to have known him. “A humanist who opted for the poor, peace and equality. He leaves a great legacy of true love for his neighbor. For Catholics and non -Catholics, it is a great loss,” he wrote in X.
South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “Catholics and people of all religions are sad today by the death of a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity.” He praised the Pope’s defense for inclusion, equality and environmental administration.
Palestinian authority
President Mahmoud Abbas called Francis a “loyal friend of the Palestinian people” and a “strong defender of peace, love and faith.” He said that Pope’s support and Palestinian rights and justice never hesitated, noting that Francis “recognized the Palestinian state and authorized the Palestinian flag that will be raised in the Vatican.”
Bangladesh
The laureate Nobel Muhammad Yunus, leader of the interim government of Bangladesh, called Pope Francis as a “true friend and pleasure.” He recalled his “deep connection” with the late Pontiff, whom he described as an “imposing figure of moral clarity, humility and compassion in our time.”
Philippines
In the Philippines, which has the largest Catholic population in Asia, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr called Francis “the best Pope in my life”, praising his humility, faith and compassion for the poor. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David expressed his shock and urged the churches to sound his bells and call people to pray for the “eternal rest” of the Pope.
Poland
The Polish president Andrzej doubts Francis as “a great apostle of mercy,” saying that the Pontiff’s example offered responses to contemporary challenges. “In his pastoral ministry, he was guided by humility and simplicity.”
Spain
The European country has declared three days of mourning. The Minister of Justice, Felix Bolans, said in a televised speech that the country laments “the death of a good man and a great pope” and praised the “reformist” papacy of Francis that “will leave a legacy for history.”
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanian said that Francis would be cried by Australians of all religions, describing him as “a devout champion and loving father” to Catholics. “His compassion hugged all humanity,” Albanian told ABC News. “He urged us to listen to the shout of the earth and remember everything we share.”
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that the death of the Pope was a loss not only for Catholics but also for humanity. “May your soul rest on eternal peace, and that its legacy of compassion, humility and service to humanity continues to inspire coming generations,” he said.
Timor Es
President José Ramos-Horta described Francis’s death as a global loss. He announced that the nations flags would be reduced by half the staff for a week with a mass to continue in homage to the life and service of the Pope.
Egypt
The Orthodox Copta Church of Egypt cried to Pope Francis, calling him “a true example of Christian humility.”
Germany
Friedrich Merz, German chancellor waiting, said that Francis would be remembered for his unwavering commitment to marginalized groups. “He was guided by humility and faith in the mercy of God,” Merz wrote in X.
Iran
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognizes Francisco’s global spiritual influence. The spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that I will “extend the condolences to all Christians around the world.”
Tibet
The Dalai Lama sacrificed the Buddhist prayers, writing to the papal envoy to “express his sadness” for death. “Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others … revealing constantly for his own actions how to live a simple but significant life,” he said in a statement in his base in exile in India. “The best tribute we can pay is to be a warm heart person, serve others wherever and in any way we can.”
United Kingdom
King Charles said he was “more deeply sad”, the “compassion” of Pope Francis, the commitment to unity and the environment.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, saying that the “tireless efforts of Francis to promote a world that is more just for everyone” would be remembered.
United Nations
The Secretary General Antonio Guerres praised what he called the historical influence of Pope Francis as a voice for human peace and dignity.
“I join the world to cry the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis, a messenger of hope, humility and humanity,” he said in a statement.
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