World leaders mourn passing of Pope Francis at 88
Vatican: Tributes are being paid from all over the world following the news of Pope Francis’s passing. In a statement, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis who breathed his last on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
He will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in the Pauline Chapel.
Taking to social media, world leaders are paying their tributes to Pope Francis. Here’s how they are expressing their condolence on his death:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Expressing his pain over the demise of Pope Francis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.”
In his post, Mr Modi also talked about his meeting with the Pope. “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.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney: Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement following the death of Pope Fransic and said, “Pope Francis leaves a spiritual and ethical legacy that will shape our collective conscience for generations to come.”
He also talked about the Pope’s visit to Canada and apology to Indigenous Peoples on residential schools. “With his visit to Canada and apology to Indigenous Peoples on residential schools, His Holiness heard from survivors and their descendants about that system’s legacy of searing and enduring pain, and met it with an important step of accountability and healing on the shared path towards reconciliation.”
During a campaign stop, Mark Carney said, “Pope Francis was a voice of moral clarity, spiritual courage, and boundless compassion. He wrote about ‘cry of the earth and the cry of the poor’, reminding us that ecological degradation, and social injustice are deeply entwined. So, I join others in reflecting on his passing, and commit myself to fulfilling his challenges.”
Canadian Leader of Opposition Pierre Poilievre: The Leader of Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, offered his condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. He said, “I offer my deepest condolences to all Catholics on the passing of Pope Francis. His humility, compassion, and steadfast faith had a profound impact on millions of Canadians and others around the world from every faith background.”
“We remember especially his historic “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada, when he sought to begin a process of Reconciliation by the Church with his apology “for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous Peoples. We join in thankful prayer with the Catholic faithful for his legacy of humble service and his message of love that will continue to inspire a world in need of hope,” Poilievre wrote on X.
U.S. President Donald Trump: In a social media post, President Donald Trump said, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance: The Vice President, JD Vance, who met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, said on X: “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. … May God rest his soul.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: The Italian Prime Minister took to Facebook and wrote, “Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s house. A news that pains us deeply, because a great man and a great pastor leaves us. I have had the privilege to enjoy his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never diminished even in times of trial and suffering.”
French President Emmanuel Macron: The President Macron said on X: “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him. To all Catholics, to a grieving world, my wife and I send our thoughts.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer: On social media platform X, the British Prime Minister wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church.”
Britain’s King Charles III: The King, who had met Pope Francis earlier this month, said in a statement on X, “My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that his Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said on X: “Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis. He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate. My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”
