Following the Vatican’s announcement on Monday of the passing of Pope Francis, who had led the Catholic Church since 2013, church bells rang out across Rome and tributes poured in from world leaders.
Pope Francis’s last public appearance was at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, after a period of hospitalization for a respiratory ailment that developed into double pneumonia.
Prior to his death, Pope Francis also met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic, at the Vatican on Sunday. (Previously, Francis had criticized the Trump Administration’s immigration policies.)
Vance stated early Monday that he had just learned of the Pope’s death and shared a that he said he would remember him by. Vance noted, “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”
The White House also posted “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis” on X, along with photos of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump and Vance’s recent audience.
Micheál Martin, the Irish Taoiseach, issued a statement to express his condolences. Martin honored Francis’s “long and distinguished papacy” and “unwavering dedication to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity. He advocated for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. His solidarity with refugees, his calls for climate action, and his emphasis on global peace and equality distinguished him as a champion of justice in the modern world.”
Martin added that the late Pope held “a special place in the hearts of the Irish people,” referring to his visit to Ireland in August 2018, where Francis voiced his pain and shame regarding historical child abuse within the Catholic Church.
“I had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis in Dublin Castle during that visit and was struck by his vision of a Catholic Church that is open, compassionate, and focused on the needs of the most vulnerable,” Martin continued. “He shared his deep concern for social justice and human rights issues with us, as well as his profound commitment to alleviating suffering. Pope Francis’s legacy is his message of peace, reconciliation, and solidarity that lives in the hearts of those he inspired. May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to guide us as we strive to build a world that reflects his vision of love and compassion for all.”
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, stated: “Europe mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe. ‘The People’s Pope’ will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice.”
“Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis,” Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said. “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.”
“Francis will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable in society, to justice, and to reconciliation. Humility and faith in God’s mercy guided him in this,” Friedrich Merz, Germany’s incoming chancellor, said in German. “In doing so, the first Latin American to sit on the Holy See touched people worldwide, across denominational boundaries. My thoughts at this time are with the faithful around the world who have lost their Holy Father.”
Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, also posted a , which included a photo of him and Francis together: “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Modi stated, adding, “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.”
Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, stated: “You stood up and spoke out—relentlessly—for the poor, the persecuted, the victims of war, the refugees, the migrants. May you continue to give us faith and courage in this brutal world.”