Soon after the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, tributes poured in from leaders across the world who remembered the first Latin American pontiff as a spiritual beacon and a champion of the marginalized. The Pope, who was 88 years old and had been suffering from a prolonged illness, left a lasting impression on political and religious figures worldwide.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Pope Francis by calling him “a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage.” Reflecting on his interactions with the Pope, Modi said, “I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”
From the United States, President Donald Trump also extended his condolences on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
Senator J.D. Vance, currently in India on an official visit, shared a heartfelt message, recalling his last encounter with the Pope. “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni mourned deeply, writing, “The news saddens us deeply, because a great man and a great shepherd has left us.” She added, “I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering.” She recalled his message during the Via Crucis, where he highlighted “the power of the gift, which makes everything flourish again and is capable of reconciling what in the eyes of man is irreconcilable.” Meloni praised his call for the world “to follow a path that does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, protects.” Concluding her tribute, she said, “His teaching and his legacy will not be lost. We greet the Holy Father with hearts full of sadness, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin also acknowledged Pope Francis’ role in fostering better relations between religious communities. In a message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Putin said, “Throughout the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See.” He added, “In this sad hour, I would like to convey to you and the entire Catholic clergy my words of sympathy and support.”
French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the Pope’s solidarity with the vulnerable, saying, “Throughout his pontificate Pope Francis had always sided with the most vulnerable and the most fragile, and that he did this with a lot of humility. In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted the Pope’s global impact, stating, “Francis will be remembered for his tireless commitment to the weakest in society, to justice and reconciliation. Humility and faith in God’s mercy guided him in this.” Merz emphasized how the Pope “touched people worldwide, across denominational boundaries” and extended his thoughts to the faithful worldwide who are mourning.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his condolences, focusing on the Pope’s interfaith efforts. “I send my deepest condolences to the Christian citizens of Israel, to the Christian communities in the Holy Land, and to the entire Christian world – on the loss of their spiritual father, Pope Francis,” he wrote. Herzog praised the Pope as “a man of immense faith and great mercy,” who prioritized the poor and peace efforts. “He saw great importance in deepening ties with the Jewish world and in promoting interfaith dialogue as a way to achieve mutual understanding and respect,” Herzog said. He concluded by expressing hope that “his prayers for peace in the Middle East and the return of the kidnapped will soon be answered.”
From Argentina, Pope Francis’ homeland, President Javier Milei also shared a heartfelt message: “It is with profound sorrow that I learned this sad morning that Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, passed away today and is now resting in peace.” Milei acknowledged their past disagreements but said, “Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me.”
Before his papacy, Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. During his youth, he rose through the ranks of the Jesuit order, offering spiritual guidance during Argentina’s politically difficult years, particularly the military dictatorship known as the Dirty War from 1976 to 1983.
King Charles of the United Kingdom offered a touching tribute, emphasizing the Pope’s legacy of unity and empathy. “His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others,” he said.
Kenyan President William Ruto praised Francis’ moral clarity and inclusive leadership. “He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable. His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reflected on Francis’ longstanding support for Lebanon. “We in Lebanon, the land of diversity, feel the loss of a dear friend and a strong supporter. The late Pope always carried Lebanon in his heart and prayers, and he always called on the world to support Lebanon in its ordeal,” he said. “We will never forget his repeated calls to protect Lebanon and preserve its identity and diversity.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the Pope’s prayers and encouragement during challenging times. “He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy wrote. “We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!”
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared his deep admiration: “I love this pope. The best pope in my lifetime as far as I’m concerned.” Marcos described him as “a man of profound faith and humility,” adding, “Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted Francis’ commitment to justice and environmental advocacy. “Pope Francis lived and spread in his daily life the love, tolerance and solidarity that are the basis of Christian teachings,” he wrote. Citing the Pope’s alignment with the ideals of Saint Francis of Assisi, Lula said, “The Argentine, Jorge Bergoglio, tirelessly sought to bring love where there was hatred. Unity where there was discord.” Lula noted how Francis “brought the issue of climate change to the Vatican” and “vigorously criticized the economic models that led humanity to produce so many injustices.” He stressed that the Pope “always stood by those who need it most: the poor, refugees, young people, the elderly and victims of war and all forms of prejudice.” Lula concluded by noting the personal impact Francis had on him and his wife, Janja. “On the occasions when Janja and I were blessed with the opportunity to meet Pope Francis and be received by him with great affection, we were able to share our ideals of peace, equality and justice. Ideals that the world has always needed. And will always need. May God comfort those who today, all over the world, suffer the pain of this enormous loss. In his memory and in honor of his work, I decree seven days of mourning in Brazil.”
Pope Francis’ legacy as a humble servant, a spiritual reformer, and a global voice for peace will continue to resonate far beyond his time.