Donald Trump said on Monday he would attend Pope Francis’s funeral with his wife, Melania.
“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome,” Trump said on Truth Social.
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Members of the US Congress are reacting to the news of Pope Francis.
Congressman Scott Peters of California, a supporter of bipartisan climate action, released a statement upon learning of the pope’s passing.
“Pope Francis’s loss is particularly painful today, as so many of us were heartened to see him celebrate the Resurrection of Christ yesterday,” Peters said. “He reminded Catholics and all Christians of the core values of our faith: caring for the poor and most vulnerable among us, outreach to those in most need of acceptance, healing and forgiveness, nurturing the planet and God’s creation, courage, faith, and love and inclusion for all of God’s children.”
Massachusetts senator Ed Markey, senate author of the Green New Deal, said: “I join the world in mourning the loss of the People’s Pope, His Holiness Pope Francis, who reminded us that no matter our faith, we are all caretakers of creation.”
He added: “It should be no surprise that a Jesuit trained in chemistry who was devoted to the poor and ensuring a just and better future for all mankind was the only pope to devote an entire encyclical to humanity’s relationship with the environment.”
GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, paid tribute to the groundbreakingly progressive pope.
“Pope Francis was a transformational leader who included LGBTQ people in historic ways,” said GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis. “Having had the honor of meeting with Pope Francis twice, I witnessed first-hand his dedication to make a Church for all, not just some. His principles of empathetic listening, inclusion, and compassion are exactly what this divided world needs right now.
“When Pope Francis spoke out against the act of criminalizing LGBTQ people and when he famously spoke ‘who am I to judge,’ he created an example of unity that faith and civil leaders should follow,” Ellis added.
The statement also refers to meetings that Pope Francis had with the GLAAD president and other LGBTQ advocates in previous years.
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Following the death of Pope Francis, Christine Allen, director and CEO of international charity Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD), said in a statement: “Pope Francis’s greatest gift was that in an increasingly divided world, he could get people and governments to think beyond their own self-interest, and work together for the common good.”
“Despite his massive influence on the world’s political stage, Francis was very much a Pope in the world and amongst the people: whether it was listening to indigenous communities in the Amazon or kissing the feet of warring rivals in South Sudan and urging them to act for peace, he showed through his words and actions that the poorest, most vulnerable people were always his primary concern,” Allen added.
“His passing is particularly poignant during this Jubilee year, when he had called for debt cancellation for low-income countries,” she said. “He leaves a huge moral and spiritual void in the world.”
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president of Nigeria, paid tribute to the late pope in an issued statement, referring to him as a “steadfast advocate for the developing world.”
“I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions,” he said. “He was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions.”
The Council for Christian Unity (CCU) of the Church of England released a statement following the news of the pope’s passing.
“It is with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Pope Francis, a great servant of Christ and leader of the Catholic Church for twelve years. Pope Francis was a man of great personal warmth and integrity, with a strong commitment to the poor and the marginalised,” the statement reads.
“His commitment to synodality, the walking together of all the baptised in the way of Christ, underpinned his ecumenical vision. We have much for which to be grateful. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.”
The Sierra Club, a long-standing environmental advocacy organization, called Pope Francis an “outspoken advocate for addressing climate change.”
“Pope Francis spoke plainly and with clarity about the climate crisis, correctly naming that the burning of fossil fuels only further exacerbates our peril and that the United States has a moral obligation to lead by example as the world’s leading historical emitter,” Sierra Club executive director Ben Jealous said in a statement.
“His passing as the world prepares to recognize Earth Day tomorrow leaves us with a fitting reminder of the ways we can best serve our fellow humans—by doing everything in our power to ensure a livable planet for all people.”
Pope Francis to be buried in St. Mary Major Basilica in a simple underground tomb
Pope Francis confirmed in his final testament that he wished to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major and not at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, unlike many previous pontiffs.
In his final testament released by the Vatican, the text specifies that Francis wanted to be buried “in the ground, without particular decoration” but with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.
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Pope Francis died of a stroke and heart failure, Vatican doctor says.
Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in a death certificate released on Monday for the 88-year-old pontiff.
The certificate, which was published by the Vatican, said the pope had fallen into a coma before his death early on Monday.
Vermont senator Bernie Sanders opened up about meeting Pope Francis in 2016 alongside his wife, Jane Sanders, in a social media post.
The senator wrote on X that the pope “always spoke out for the poor and disenfranchised and injected the need for morality into the global economy. He reminded us that greed & money worship is not what human existence is about. He will be missed.”
Vatican City has begun a Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square in its first public commemoration following the death of Pope Francis.
Hundreds are gathered and engaged in prayer.
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Watch some of the most memorable and heartwarming moments of Pope Francis, whose popularity spanned far beyond the Catholic community.
Dominican Republic president, Luis Abinader, has declared three days of mourning for the Pope’s death.
The statement, from a nation where more than half the population are Catholic, praises the pontiff’s important reforms and “his pursuit of lasting peace among humanity”. It also mentions the Pope’s words of support during the recent tragedy after a nightclub roof collapsed in the country’s capital, killing more than 200 people.
The statement said: “Although he never had the opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic, Pope Francis always maintained a close relationship with the Church in the country and with its entire society, as demonstrated by the cordial reception he gave during his lifetime to our highest civil authorities, as well as by the expressions he offered during difficult times for our country, such as his prayer for the victims of the tragedy that occurred at an entertainment center on April 8.”
During the days of mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-staff on military precincts and public buildings.
Gianni Infantino, president of soccer-governing body FIFA, said he was “deeply saddened” over the pope’s passing.
“I was privileged enough to spend some time with him on a couple of occasions, and he always shared his enthusiasm for football and stressed the important role our sport plays in society,” Infantino said in an Instagram post. “All the prayers of the whole football world are with him.”
Pope Francis was known to be an avid soccer fan. In 2013, Argentine soccer club San Lorenzo tweeted a photo of him holding up the club’s crest.
Numerous celebrities, many among the nearly 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, expressed condolences for the late Pope Francis, who died early on Monday – the morning after Easter Sunday – at the age of 88.
Actor Russell Crowe, who met Francis in 2014, wrote on X: “A beautiful day in Rome, but a sad day for the faithful. RIP Francis.”
Eva Longoria posted a photo of herself meeting the groundbreaking Jesuit pontiff, a progressive pope and the first from the Americas, on Instagram with the caption: “Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered.”
Spanish actor Antonio Banderas likewise posted a photo to X of himself meeting Francis, born in 1936 as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Banderas called the pope, elected in 2013 after Benedict abdicated, a man who “at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people”.
Whoopi Goldberg posted a photo from her 2023 meeting with Francis, whom she called “the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and [non] believer. He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances [sic] with your love of humanity & Laughter.”
California congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, the former speaker of the US House and a devout Catholic, hailed Pope Francis as a “beacon of charity, hope and love for all people of faith”.
In a deeply personal statement, Pelosi thanked Pope Francis for championing the poor and his commitment to combat climate change.
“His Holiness Pope Francis personified our sacred responsibility in the Gospel of Matthew to honor the spark of divinity in the least of our brethren – championing the poor, the worker, the refugee and the immigrant,” she wrote.
“He reminded us of our inescapable duty to those struggling to escape poverty and persecution in our communities and around the world. Perhaps his most distinctive leadership will be his historic commitment to addressing the climate crisis.
“In his groundbreaking encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis writes with beauty and clarity, with moral force and fierce urgency to call on all of us to be good stewards of God’s creation.”
A mass was held for the soul of Pope Francis hours after his death on Easter Monday, as the Archbishop of Glasgow said his social values resonated with the people of Scotland.
About 400 mourners attended a 1pm mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew in Glasgow less than seven hours after Francis’s death aged 88 on Easter Monday, PA Media reported.
The Easter Monday Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis hailed the late leader of the Catholic church as a “father”.
The Most Rev William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow, told the congregation: “Today we mark the passing of Pope Francis from one life to the next.”
He added: “That he died on Easter Monday reminds us that death has no end.”
In a eulogy, Archbishop Nolan said Pope Francis “was very keen that the church should bring hope to people” and compared him to a father.
The archbishop praised the late Pope’s “mercy” and “compassion”, adding: “We are all sad. Today we have lost a father.”
American politicians and religious leaders reacted to the news on Monday morning of the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic church, with expressions of mourning and tributes to his life and achievements.
The pope’s death was confirmed early Monday morning in an announcement read out by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo.
On Monday morning, the White House responded with a brief statement on social media: “Rest in peace, Pope Francis.”
Donald Trump, who met with the pontiff at the Vatican during his first term, also commemorated the late pope on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” the US president wrote.
Over the years, Francis and Trump had clashed. During the 2016 US presidential election, Francis suggested that Trump was “not christian” for his plan to build a wall at the Mexican border. Trump responded by calling Francis “disgraceful”.
Former US vice-president and climate crisis activist Al Gore has commented on the death of Pope Francis.
He said:
Pope Francis will be remembered forever as the People’s Pope.
He was a tireless champion for climate action because of his unwavering conviction that to truly care for one another and protect the most vulnerable among us, we must halt the destruction of God’s creation.
His humble leadership on the climate crisis sparked a moral movement that will continue to light the way forward for humanity.
His advocacy of social and economic justice inspired billions around the world.
I am grateful to have known and worked with him. May God grant him eternal rest in heaven.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has expressed its “deep sorrow” at the death of Pope Francis.
Dr Wajid Akhter, MCB secretary-general said:
As Muslims, we deeply respect how Pope Francis extended his hand in genuine friendship to Muslims around the world: fostering dialogue and understanding between our faiths.
His life exemplified the shared Abrahamic values of compassion, justice, and dignity for all God’s creation. In these troubled times, his legacy reminds us that our faiths call us not to division, but to unity in addressing humanity’s greatest challenges.
The Catholic community has lost a shepherd, but his teachings on peace and human fraternity will continue to illuminate the path for all people of faith. May the legacy of Pope Francis continue to inspire future generations.
Meanwhile, the prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, has described Pope Francis as her “hero” and said she was humbled to spend time with him.
She told the Guardian:
The world today feels like a lonely place with the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. For me, Pope Francis was the beacon of global moral strategic leadership. I confess that it was Pope Francis’ writings and teachings that guided and inspired me through the dark and desolate days of the Covid-19 pandemic, as I worked with others to lead Barbados through that period of grave uncertainty.
He was, in every sense, my hero. I was later humbled to have spent time with him late last year, where he reinforced in me the importance of always aligning our hearts, our heads, and our hands with our faith – to see, hear, and feel all people, so that we may help them, and to protect our planet. His voice comforted and inspired many. His hands led him to places where others dared not go, and His heart knew no boundaries. His humour and his laughter were not only infectious but calming.
Let us, each and every day, see, hear, and feel people, to fight the globalisation of indifference. In so doing, we will walk the road he paved tirelessly to the very end of his life. If we dare to live with heart, to serve with courage, humility, and to love without borders, then Pope Francis still walks among us. May His soul forever rest in peace.
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As the Caribbean wakes up to the news of the passing of the pope, governments begin to pay tribute to the pontiff.
Barbados’ prime minister, who met Pope Francis in November 2024, described him as a “leader of deep faith and compassion” who “dedicated his life to uplifting the poor, advocating for peace, and reminding us all of the power of love and humility”.
Extending condolences from the government and people of Barbados, she said: “Certainly, his life and legacy remain as an example to all of us of how we can inspire and uplift those around us with our actions.
In the Bahamas, foreign minister Fred Mitchell described Pope Francis as “a standout advocate for the poor, the dispossessed, a champion of peace in the world, and reconciliation”.
His statement on Instagram said that Pope Francis had made time to meet with two Bahamian prime ministers during his pontificate, prime minister Philip Davis and prime minister Perry Christie.
“He supported the cause of small island developing states and their fight for climate justice. His voice will be missed,” Mitchell said.
Secretary-general of the UN António Guterres has also paid tribute to Pope Francis.
He posted on X:
I join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a messenger of hope, humility and humanity.
Pope Francis was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice.
My deepest condolences to Catholics and all those around the world inspired by his extraordinary life and example.
Cardinals Timothy Radcliffe and Vincent Nichols appeared to rule themselves out of becoming the next pope.
Speaking at a press conference in London on Monday, the pair were asked about the possibilities of either of them becoming a new pontiff.
Cardinal Radcliffe, who is aged 79, told reporters: “I believe the Holy Spirit is far too wise to even think of me for the shortest moment.”
Cardinal Nichols, who will be 80 in November, said he is “too old, not capable”.
He added: “I’ll go quite peacefully.”
Church bells rang out across the Philippines on Tuesday, as one of the world’s biggest Catholic populations mourned the death of Pope Francis.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr described Francis as the “best pope in my lifetime” and “a man of profound faith and humility”.
On Monday, Manila Cathedral’s bells rang for 13 minutes “in honour of his 13 years of vibrant and merciful Petrine ministry,” the Cathedral said. It will hold a special mass on Tuesday morning.
Bells tolled across the archipelago, from Butuan in the Southern island of Mindanao, to Naga City on Luzon island, local media reported. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines called for churches to ring their bells and call people to prayer.
Francis was known affectionately as “Lolo Kiko” in the Philippines, where about 80% of the country’s more than 110 million people are Roman Catholic, a legacy of Spanish colonisation. “Kiko” is often used as a nickname for men whose name is “Francisco”, while “Lolo” means “Grandpa”.
Tributes poured in from political figures in the country, while De La Salle University in the capital was illuminated in the papal colours yellow and white.
Who will be the next pope? Some potential candidates to succeed Francis
Predicting the outcome of the highly secretive papal conclave is near impossible as cardinals’ positions shift over successive votes and some try to game the system to influence the chances of their favoured – or least-favoured – candidates. In the last conclave in 2013, few predicted that Jorge Mario Bergoglio would be elected as Pope Francis. At the moment, speculation is focusing on these men to succeed him:
Pietro Parolin, 70, Italy
Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, the Philippines
Peter Turkson, 76, Ghana
Péter Erdő, 72, Hungary
Matteo Zuppi, 69, Italy
José Tolentino Calaca de Mendonca, 59, Portugal
Mario Grech, 68, Malta
Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, Italy
Robert Sarah, 79, Guinea
You can read the full article here:
The office of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the most senior Catholic figure in the Middle East, has announced a special mass to mark Pope Francis’s death, on Wednesday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem.
It will be presided by His Beatitude and the members of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries.
Easter celebrations at the Holy Sepulchre, the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected, were marred this year by tighter Israeli travel restrictions for Christians from the occupied West Bank wishing to visit Jerusalem to worship, and scuffles between police and pilgrims trying to enter the church.
Former US vice-president Al Gore commended Pope Francis for his “humble leadership” and his championing of climate action.
Pope Francis will be remembered forever as the People’s Pope. He was a tireless champion for climate action because of his unwavering conviction that to truly care for one another and protect the most vulnerable among us, we must halt the destruction of God’s creation.
His humble leadership on the climate crisis sparked a moral movement that will continue to light the way forward for humanity. His advocacy of social and economic justice inspired billions around the world.
I am grateful to have known and worked with him. May God grant him eternal rest in heaven.”
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, hailed the pope’s opposition to the 18-month-long war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip.
“Pope Francis was a steadfast advocate for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly in his unwavering stance against the war and acts of genocide perpetrated against our people in Gaza in recent months,” Naim said in a statement.
Francis regularly spoke out against civilian deaths in the war and made daily phone calls to the Christian community sheltering in the strip’s only Catholic church.
The day before he died, he said a “growing climate of anti-Semitism around the world is worrisome,” while also condemning the “deplorable humanitarian situation” in Gaza and reiterating his call for a ceasefire.
Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micháel Martin said the passing of Pope Francis comes with “a profound sadness”
On X, he wrote:
Pope Francis’ long and distinguished papacy was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity. He spoke out for the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed. His solidarity with refugees, his calls for climate action, and his insistence on global peace and equality set him apart as a champion of justice in the modern world.
Pope Francis holds a special place in the hearts of the Irish people. During his visit to Ireland in August 2018 for the World Meeting of Families he was welcomed with a warmth and enthusiasm that spoke volumes about the respect and affection in which he was held by Irish people.
During his visit to Ireland, many will also remember Pope Francis’ expression of pain and shame about historic child abuse in the Catholic Church and his outrage about the failure of Church authorities to adequately address these appalling crimes.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill said catholics around the world will “feel his loss deeply”.
She posted on X :
I am very sad to learn of the death of Pope Francis, a man of great faith and a strong, determined leader. During his visit to Ireland in 2018, he spoke passionately in support of the peace process. He also marked the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, giving thanks for the peace it delivered in Ireland.
Pope Francis showed compassion on LGBT issues and condemned right-wing extremists and he was ahead of many world leaders in speaking out against the Israeli war in Gaza.
His efforts to reach out and acknowledge past wrongs should also be recognised. Catholics right across the world, including here in Ireland, will feel his loss deeply.
I extend my condolences to Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Eamon Martin, Church leaders here in Ireland and throughout the world.
A senior Vatican cardinal will lead a prayer service in St Peter’s Square on Monday evening at 7.30 pm. (1730 GMT), a Vatican spokesman said.
Pope Francis obituary
The election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as pope in March 2013 was unexpected, even to the then cardinal archbishop of Buenos Aires himself. He may have come a distant second in the previous papal conclave in 2005, but at 76 and, following the resignation on the grounds of old age of the candidate who had come first back then, the 85-year-old Benedict XVI – Bergoglio was convinced that a younger man was needed.
However, the majority of cardinals who gathered in the Sistine Chapel to vote were looking for something more than (relative) youth. Top of their agenda as they assembled was openness to fresh thinking after 35 years of no change under the almost seamless reigns of Pope John Paul II and Benedict, his erstwhile right-hand man. And so they surprised everyone by opting for Catholicism’s first Jesuit pope, the first Latin American successor to Saint Peter, and first leader from outside Europe in over a millennium.
The break with tradition that Francis, who has died aged 88 after suffering from double pneumonia, represented even managed to trump the shock value of the resignation of Benedict, who was the first pope for 600 years to take that option rather than die in office. Immediately, Bergoglio signalled unambiguously that he intended to be a different kind of pope, one for the 21st century. He boldly chose to be known as Francis, becoming the first pontiff to take on the name of the radical saint from Assisi who had turned his back on privilege and status in this world, and lived with and for the poor. No more pomp and ceremony, the new pope seemed to be saying, but sleeves rolled up and joining the fight for social and economic justice.
You can read the full obituary here:
Former US president Barack Obama said Pope Francis “shook us out of our complacency”.
Posting on X, he said:
Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another.
Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope’s example.
May we continue to heed his call to “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope.”
In Cyprus, the European Union’s easternmost member state, president Nikos Christodoulides has described Pope Francis as an indefatigable advocate for peace, dialogue and solidarity.
Expressing the island nation’s condolences the Cypriot leader said the pontiff had devoted his life to upholding the values of social justice, love and compassion.
“His words and actions consistently supported efforts toward understanding and cooperation among nations, religions, and denominations,” Christodoulides said in a written statement. “He was a steadfast champion of peace and coexistence among peoples and cultures.”
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas paid tribute to Pope Francis, calling him a “faithful friend of the Palestinian people”.
“Today, we lost a faithful friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” Abbas said, noting that Pope Francis “recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican.”
We have more from Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, reflecting on the life Pope Francis.
“Pope Francis practised and preached in his daily life the love, tolerance and solidarity which are the basis of Christian teachings,” Lula said in a statement.
“Just as the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi taught, the Argentine Jorge Bergoglio tirelessly sought to bring love where there was hatred. Harmony where there was discord. And understanding that we are all equal, living in the same home, our planet, which urgently needs our care.”
President Lula highlighted how Pope Francis had shone a spotlight on the issue of climate change and “vigorously criticised” the economic models which had caused so much injustice.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the archbishop of Westminster, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, posted on X:
The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both in the Catholic Church and in societies in general. A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent.
US president Donald Trump has posted on to his Truth Social account:
Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!
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Not long before what would turn out to be his final public appearance, a blessing of the crowds who had gathered for Easter Sunday mass in St Peter’s Square and an unexpected popemobile tour of the piazza, Pope Francis received a devout if perhaps unlikely visitor.
Among the last people to see and speak to the pontiff in the hours before his death early on Monday morning was the US vice-president, JD Vance, a zealous, albeit comparatively recent, convert to Roman Catholicism.
The pair met on Sunday morning at the Domus Santa Marta guest house, the down-to-earth lodgings where Francis lived during his 12-year papacy. According to statements from the Vatican and Vance’s office, the two men spoke for a few minutes to exchange Easter greetings, and the 88-year-old pope gave the vice-president rosaries, a Vatican tie and three big chocolate Easter eggs, one for each of his children.
Despite Vance’s much-touted faith, the encounter was one that few in Washington or Rome would have predicted. He and Francis had had deep and public disagreements in recent months over the Trump administration’s attitudes to immigration, not least its mass deportation efforts.
Pope's body could be moved to St Peter's on Wednesday, Vatican says
Pope Francis’ body could be moved to St Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects, as early as Wednesday, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said in a statement on Monday.
A group of cardinals meeting on Tuesday are expected to take a formal decision on the issue, he added.
Brazil’s president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday declared a seven-day mourning for Pope Francis in Latin America’s biggest country.
“Humanity loses today a voice of respect and welcome for others,” Lula said in a statement.
“May God comfort those who today, everywhere in the world, suffer the pain of this enormous loss. In his memory and in homage to his work, I decree a seven-day mourning in Brazil.”
The interim Egyptian president Abdel-Fatah al Sisi said Pope Francis “built bridges of dialogue between peoples”.
Pope Francis was an exceptional global figure who dedicated his life to the service of peace and justice. He tirelessly worked to promote tolerance and interfaith understanding, and to build bridges of dialogue between peoples. He was also an advocate of the Palestinian cause, defending legitimate rights, and calling for an end to conflicts and the achievement of a just and lasting peace.”
The loss of Pope Francis represents a profound loss to the entire world. He was a voice of peace, love, and compassion, and a model of devotion to noble values.
In Brazil, the country with the world’s largest Catholic congregation – of more than 120 million people – there is also an outpouring of affection and respect this morning.
Rui Costa, the chief of staff for Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, paid tribute to the pope as a “simple man of great gestures who led the Catholic church with humility, resilience and love”.
Lula’s health minister, Alexandre Padilha, called the pope “a great champion of free access to healthcare” and remembered how “during the whole [Covid] pandemic he had raised his voice to support vaccination instead of denialism, praying for the sick, the doctors and for all health professionals”.
Rio’s mayor, Eduardo Paes, recalled meeting the pontiff during the 2013 World Youth Day Catholic event in his city, when the pope visited one of its most deprived favelas.
“I don’t ever remember meeting someone who exudes such humility, courage and faith,” Paes wrote on X.
Laura Sarabia, the foreign minister of Colombia, where about three-quarters of people are Catholic, thanked Latin America’s first pontiff for being “a symbol of hope and renewal for the Church”. “Thank you for turning your eyes to the most vulnerable,” Sarabia wrote. “Thank you for being the voice of the poor, the migrants and the most distressed.”
Sergio Massa, a leading opposition politician in Argentina, voiced “immense pain” at the pope’s passing. “Francisco was much more than a Pope,” Massa wrote, using the name by which Bergoglio is known in Latin America. “He was the voice of the voiceless, the leader who, in an increasingly unequal world, kept the drama of inequality, poverty and the need to care for our shared home … on his agenda.”
“The parting of the most important Argentinian in history leaves an enormous void. Thank you for so much, Francisco,” Massa added.
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The Dalai Lama has praised Pope Francis for his dedication to others.
He said:
His Holiness Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others, consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”
Former US president Joe Biden has paid tribute to Pope Francis as “the people’s pope”.
He posted on X:
It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People’s Pope - a light of faith, hope, and love.
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has paid tribute to Pope Francis:
I learned with sorrow the death of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic world and President of the Vatican. A respected statesman, Pope Francis was also a spiritual leader who gave importance to dialogue between different faith groups and took the initiative in the face of humanitarian tragedies, especially the Palestinian issue and the genocide in Gaza.
On behalf of myself and my nation, I offer my condolences and sympathies to the family of the deceased, the Vatican State and the Catholic world.
Updated
Simon Stiell, the UN’s climate chief, praised Pope Francis as an “unflinching global champion of climate action”.
In a post on X he said:
Pope Francis has been a towering figure of human dignity, and an unflinching global champion of climate action.
His Holiness’ message will live on: There can be no shared prosperity until we make peace with nature and protect the most vulnerable.
In the UK, the Union flag will be flown at half-mast at royal residences where King Charles is not in residence.
Sombre music will be played at the Changing the Guard ceremony to reflect “the sadness of the occasion”, a royal source said.
A member of the royal family is expected to attend the Pope’s funeral, if the Vatican is in agreement, but it is too early to say who will travel to pay their respects.
Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) of the United Nations said:
Pope Francis dedicated his life to uplifting the marginalized and advocating for the world’s most vulnerable populations. He reminded us that ‘hope’ is an action.
Pope Francis consistently championed the cause of the rural poor, Lario said, recognising their indispensable role in global food security and sustainable development.
Pope Francis often highlighted the paradox that those who produce food are the ones who suffer from hunger, calling for urgent action to support smallholder farmers and rural communities.
Lario added:
IFAD appreciates him as a champion of Indigenous People and an advocate for food security, sustainable agriculture, and the fight against hunger and inequality. He truly cared about the most vulnerable populations.
The Jesuits in Britain have paid tribute to Pope Francis who “shaped the Church in our time”.
In a statement they said:
With heavy hearts, the Jesuits in Britain mourn the death of Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, whose leadership has profoundly shaped the Church in our time. His formation within the Society of Jesus instilled in him a gift of discernment, a sense of closeness to God, and a deep commitment to serving the marginalised and the voiceless, which he embodied throughout his ministry.
They added:
He consistently advocated for the dignity of the poor and vulnerable, urging us to be “men and women for others.” His encyclical, Laudato Si’, has inspired us to care for our common home, calling us to confront the ecological crisis with both urgency and compassion—a teaching that has been vital for our Province and has inspired our own commitment to sustainable practices.”
You can read the full statement here.
East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta said the death of Pope Francis was a tremendous loss for the world, not just Christians, Reuters reports.
The 88-year-old pontiff was the first pope to visit East Timor in over 30 years, following John Paul II, whose appearance gave the country’s movement for independence from occupying Indonesia from 1975-1999 a historic boost.
The president of Asia’s youngest, predominantly Catholic nation told Reuters flags in East Timor would be flown at half-mast for one week to honour the late pontiff’s life and a mass would also be held in his honour. “He leaves behind a profound legacy of humanity, of justice, of human fraternity, a tremendous loss for the world, not only for Christians,” he said.
Ramos-Horta praised Francis’ courage to speak out “for the poor, for the weak...against arrogance, against abuse, against wars.”
John Swinney, Scotland’s first minister, has said Pope Francis was “a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation” and a trailblazer as the first pope from the southern hemisphere.
A church-goer who, while Protestant, accompanies his wife to Catholic mass, Swinney said he was deeply saddened to hear the pope had died.
“His Holiness was outspoken on many of the pressing issues of our time such as climate change, the death penalty and the rise of artificial intelligence. He would regularly engage with world leaders and hold them to account for their words and actions.
“Pope Francis recognised and championed the virtue of compassion and advocated for poor and marginalised communities across the world. He brought comfort, assurance and hope to many.
“I know people will take comfort from the solidarity of their communities at this very difficult time. I share the sorrow of the Catholic community, in Scotland and worldwide, in mourning the loss of His Holiness. May he rest in peace.”
Australian prime minister pays emotional tribute to Pope Francis as a ‘devoted champion’
by Dan Jervis-Bardy and Daisy Dumas
The Australian prime minister has paid an emotional tribute to Pope Francis as a “devoted champion and a loving father” of Catholics in his country, following the death of the pontiff, aged 88.
Anthony Albanese, the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, and church leaders issued statements after news of the pontiff’s death was announced on Monday night.
Speaking in Melbourne, Albanese – who is Catholic – said Francis’ death would be mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
“Today, the prayers of more than a billion people – from all nations and every walk of life – go with Pope Francis to his rest,” Albanese said.
“He urged us to remember all we hold in common, and he asked the world to hear the cry of the earth, our common home.
“He invited world leaders to join him and, to quote him, ‘emerge from the dark night of wars and environmental devastation in order to turn our common future into the dawn of a new and radiant day’.”
As the first pope from the southern hemisphere, the Argentinian was “close to the people of Australia”, Albanese said.
“For Australian Catholics, he was a devoted champion and a loving father,” he said.
Read the full report here:
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa offered his “deep condolences” to Catholics in the country and worldwide.
He said in a statement: “Catholics and people of all faiths are saddened today by the passing of a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values.
“As the leader of the Church and a global figurehead, Pope Francis advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalised individuals and groups, as well as responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment.”
Thabo Makgoba, the Archibshop of Cape Town and the head of the Anglican church in southern Africa described the Pope as an “incredible, prophetic pastor”.
“On the numerous occasions I and my wife, Lungi, met him, he made you feel as if you were the only person in the world, holding you in his gaze with those piercing, warm and attentive eyes,” he said in a statementreleased by the church.
“For many around the world, including people of all faiths and of none, the distinguishing characteristic of his papacy was how close they felt to him. The last globally-recognised moral voice in our confused times, he gave us clear guidance in a complex and polarised political world.”
Here is a film obituary of Pope Francis, from the Guardian’s video team.
The Vatican has suspended a planned ceremony for the Catholic Church to proclaim the first saint from the millennial generation, it said in a statement on Monday.
Carlo Acutis, an Italian boy who died from leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, was originally set to be made a saint at a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square on April 27 but this has been suspended following the death of Pope Francis.
Writing on X, Argentina’s president Javier Milei voiced “profound sorrow” over the death of the first Latin American pontiff.
The right-wing radical was a long time critic of the Pope, who he notoriously called a communism-promoting imbecile and even “a son of a bitch”.
However, the two men were reconciled last year during a brief meeting when Milei visited the Vatican. On Monday, Milei said it had been an honour to know the Pope, “in his goodness and wisdom” ... despite differences that seem minor today”.
“As President, as an Argentine, and, fundamentally, as a man of faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father and I stand with all of those of us who are confronted with this sad news today. RIP,” Milei added.
In Greece, prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Pope Francis will be remembered for his moral leadership.
Today we join Catholic Christians around the world in their grief for the loss of the religious leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis will be remembered as a moral leader who believed in peace, solidarity and friendship,” Mitsotakis said in a statement
The bells of Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral tolled 88 times in memory of Pope Francis, French media reported.
At midday, a mass will be held for Pope Francis in Notre Dame, franceinfo radio reported.
City authorities will turn off the lights on the Eiffel Tower on Monday night in memory of the pope, BFM TV reported.
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Zelenskyy mourns Pope Francis, who 'knew how to give hope'
The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on X:
Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church. He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!
Ferdinand Marcos, president of the Philippines, paid tribute to Pope Francis as a man who led with “wisdom” and an “open heart”:
The Philippines joins the Catholic community worldwide in grieving the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis. A man of profound faith and humility, Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten.
By example, Pope Francis taught us that to be a good Christian is to extend kindness and care to one another. His humility brought many back to the fold of the Church.
As we mourn his passing, we honor a life that brought hope and compassion to so many, and inspired us to love one another as Christ loved us.
It is a profoundly sad day.
Vladimir Putin sends 'sincere condolences' on death of Pope Francis
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his condolences on the death of Pope Francis, the Kremlin said on Monday, Reuters reports
“Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Putin said in a message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
“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.
“In this sad hour, I would like to convey to you and the entire Catholic clergy my words of sympathy and support,” Putin said in the message.
Keir Starmer pays tribute to Pope Francis, a 'pope for the poor and forgotten'
The UK prime minister Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying his death is a reminder of “his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs”, PA News reports.
Starmer said:
I join millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.
Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world.
India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, paid tribute to Pope Francis, honouring him as “a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage.”
“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,” Modi wrote on X.
“Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world,” he added.
We have more from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who said she mourned Pope Francis on Monday as a friend who had given her comfort in tough times and done his duty to the end.
“The Pope and I had a more active relationship than was apparent. It went well beyond our respective institutional roles,” she told Italian state broadcaster RAI, Reuters reports.
“We’ve met many times, even just to exchange opinions. He was able to give comfort in very difficult moments, I have many memories of the Pope.
She added: “The fact he’s leaving on Easter Monday, it’s like he wanted to do his duty until the very end,” Meloni added, saying he had appeared fatigued at their most recent meeting.
She said the Pope kept in a drawer some artwork her daughter had made for him. She was also proud of convincing him to become the first pontiff to address a Group of Seven summit in 2024.
King Charles 'deeply saddened' at death of Pope Francis
King Charles has paid tribute to Pope Francis:
My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavyhearts 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.
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. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.
The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.
We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Charles R.
Taiwan has extended condolences to the Vatican, which is one of just a handful of governments that recognise Taiwan as a country.
“Due to the profound friendship between Taiwan and the Vatican, in addition to sending officials of appropriate levels as special envoys to attend the Pope’s funeral, senior government officials will also attend the memorial mass held by the Vatican’s Embassy in Taiwan to express the deepest condolences of the Taiwanese people, Catholic believers, and the government,” Taiwan’s Ministry Of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“His humility and concern for all humanity, especially his active call for world peace, will always remain in the hearts of our people and government. In this moment of sorrow, our people, Catholics and the government mourn together.”
Kenya’s president William Ruto has paid tribute on X:
We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
This is a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world. Pope Francis will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving the Lord, the Church, and humanity.
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.
May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
The White House X account has posted:
Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.
The post is accompanied by photographs of President Donald Trump and vice-president JD Vance with Pope Francis.
Tony Blair said Pope Francis was admired “for his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith”.
The former UK prime minister, who converted to Catholicism after leaving office, said:
Pope Francis was an extraordinary and devoted servant of the Catholic Church, admired both within and beyond it for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and the service of all humanity-Christian and non-Christian alike.
Cherie and I are deeply saddened by his passing. May he rest in peace.
Former archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has paid tribute to Pope Francis as someone who became a friend, adding that he will “miss him deeply”, PA Media reports.
Welby said:
It is with a deep sense of personal sadness that I mourn the death of my friend, His Holiness Pope Francis.
With our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters - along with the global Church and many more around the world - I’m filled with a great sense of loss. He was a Pope who spoke not just to the Catholic church, but far beyond it. His leadership was felt powerfully among us in the Anglican Communion.From the very first days of his papacy he was an example of humility. He constantly reminded us of the importance of serving the poor, always standing with those who faced persecution and hardship.
During my time as Archbishop of Canterbury, it was a great privilege to work with him in peacebuilding, not least in South Sudan. Over the years he became a friend and I will miss him deeply.
For his commitment to walking together as Roman Catholics and Anglicans, and for his vision and passion for working for ever greater reconciliation and unity between all Christian denominations, I am profoundly grateful.
I give thanks to God for the life of this faithful servant of Christ. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said with the death of Pope Francis, “the Catholic Church and the world lose an advocate for the weak, a reconciling and a warm-hearted person”.
“I greatly appreciated his clear view of the challenges we face,” the outgoing leader said on X. “My sympathies go out to the religious community worldwide.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda said the pope was a great apostle of Mercy, in whom he saw the answer to the challenges of the modern world.
In a post on X, Duda said:
In his pastoral ministry, he was guided by humility and simplicity.
Friedrich Merz, expected to be sworn in as German chancellor next month, expressed his “great sadness” at the pope’s death.
“Francis will be remembered for his tireless engagement for the weakest in society, for justice and reconciliation,” Merz posted on X. “Humility and the belief in God’s mercy guided him.”
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the world had “lost a shining beacon of hope”.
“His modesty, his spontaneity and his humour, but above all his tangibly deep faith touched people all over the world - and gave them support, strength and orientation,” Steinmeier said in an emailed statement.
“For so many people, Francis was a credible witness to the Christian message, for whom the lived practice of faith was particularly important. From the very first days of his ministry as Bishop of Rome, he made it clear that the poor and marginalised, the displaced and refugees could be sure of his special attention, his special care and even his special love. Many who felt forgotten felt heard, seen and understood by him, the pope.”
A statement from Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis, said:
Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER), has conveyed the CER’s deep sorrow to the Holy See on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt remembers Pope Francis’s unwavering dedication to promoting peace and goodwill worldwide. He also fondly recalls his many meetings with the Pope and his efforts to strengthen Catholic-Jewish relations, including their meeting at the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the 1965 Declaration of the Second Vatican Council that profoundly transformed interfaith dialogue.
'A great man, a great shepherd': Meloni pays tribute to Pope Francis
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said news of Pope Francis’ death was cause for great sadness because of the departure of “a great man, a great shepherd”, Reuters reports.
In a statement, Meloni said:
I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which never ceased not even during times of trial and suffering.
We say goodbye to the Holy Father with a heart full of sadness.
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The Archbishop of York has paid tribute to Pope Francis as “holy man of God” who was “also very human”, PA News reports.
In a statement on X, Stephen Cottrell said:
Francis’s whole life and ministry was centred on Jesus who comes among us not to be served, but to serve.
We saw that compellingly in Francis’s service of the poor his love of neighbour, especially the displaced, migrant; the asylum seeker, his deep compassion for the well-being of the earth and his desire to lead and build the church in new ways.
Acknowledging the pontiff’s efforts in working alongside the Church of England despite “division” with the Catholic Church, Mr Cottrell recalled Pope Francis’ historic trip to South Sudan in 2023 alongside former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Moderator of the Church of Scotland Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields.
“Pope Francis was acutely aware of the divisions between our churches and how they stand in the way of seeing Jesus Christ more fully,” said Mr Cottrell.
He added:
I remember, in the brief times spent with him, how this holy man of God, was also very human.
He was witty, lively, good to be with, and the warmth of his personality and interest in others shone out from him.
Updated
Pope Francis adopted a markedly less formal tone than previous popes and became known for his ability to connect with members of the public, as well as for his humility, having shunned some of the more regal trappings of high office. Here is a selection of photographs of the pontiff since 2013 – when Time magazine selected him as its person of the year after the Argentine became the first Latin American person elected to head the Roman Catholic Church:
US Vice President JD Vance has posted a tribute on X:
I just leaned [sic] 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. https://vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2020/documents/papa-francesco_20200327_omelia-epidemia.html
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'In a time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, the most fragile': Macron pays tribute to Pope Francis
French President Emmanuel Macron said that 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,” Macron told reporters.
He thanked the Pope for his various visits to France, including his trip to Corsica in December.
Macron expressed his condolences “to Catholics across the world”, saying “great pain” would be felt in France and internationally.
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Pope Francis was a man of deep faith, peace and compassion who fostered ties with the Jewish world, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said.
In a statement on X, he described Pope Francis as:
A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world.
I truly hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages (in Gaza) will soon be answered.
'A role model for Catholics and non-Catholics alike' - tributes paid to Pope Francis
Pope Francis was in every way a man of the people, Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof said in a statement on X.
Schoof said:
The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognised the burning issues of our day and called attention to them. With his sober way of life, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was a role model for many - Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect.
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Tributes have been made to the Pope, the New Zealand prime minister, Christopher Luxon, posted on X:
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. A man of humility, his legacy includes an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, to social justice and to interfaith dialogue. My thoughts are with Catholics and all those in New Zealand and around the world who mourn his death.
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Yesterday Pope Francis appeared at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square.
The Pope, 88, came out in a wheelchair and waved from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica saying to the crowds: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”
However, his Easter address was delivered by a clergy member.
The Pope was then driven around the square.
Last month, Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital after five weeks of treatment for double pneumonia.
'At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father': Cardinal Kevin Farrell announces death of Pope Francis
Vatican News has posted a statement from the Vatican on X:
At 9.45am local time on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta:
Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.
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Tributes begin for Pope Francis after Vatican confirms his death, aged 88
Tributes are being paid to Pope Francis after the confirmation of his death by the Vatican. He was aged 88.
Pope Francis died Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Farrell said in the announcement. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Triune.″
Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on 14 February for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalisation of his 12-year papacy.
Pope Francis marked Easter Sunday by blessing thousands of people who had gathered for mass in St Peter’s Square and then embarking on a surprise popemobile tour around the piazza on Sunday.
The 88-year-old pontiff did not celebrate mass in the square, delegating the service instead to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St Peter’s Basilica.
Francis was diagnosed with bronchitis in early February, but had continued to hold daily audiences in his Vatican hotel suite, and even presided at an outdoor Mass on Sunday 9 February.
But he had handed over his speeches for an aide to read aloud, saying he was having trouble breathing.
Francis, who had part of one lung removed at age 21, had long battled health problems, especially bouts of acute bronchitis in winter and had used a wheelchair, walker or cane when moving around his apartment.
The Pope was especially prone to lung infections due to developing pleurisy – an inflammation of the thin outer covering of the lung – as an adult.
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