People’s pope: World mourns the passing of Pope Francis
His death marks the end of a transformative and often tumultuous papacy defined by a deep commitment to the poor, calls for peace and efforts to modernise the Roman Catholic Church.
World leaders have come out to mourn the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after a long battle with illness.
His death marks the end of a transformative and often tumultuous papacy defined by a deep commitment to the poor, calls for peace and efforts to modernise the Roman Catholic Church.
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Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the pontiff’s passing at 9:45 a.m. from 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," Cardinal Farrell said in a televised statement.
At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning,… pic.twitter.com/De4pEZkvs9
“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 favour of 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 the One and Triune God."
Pope Francis had made a final public appearance just a day earlier during Easter celebrations in St. Peter’s Square, where, despite his frail health, he offered blessings from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. His Easter message, delivered by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, renewed his call for global peace and urged compassion for migrants and people from diverse backgrounds.
The news of his death triggered a wave of condolences and heartfelt tributes from political and religious leaders across the world, many of whom described him as a beacon of hope, peace and humility.
President William Ruto greets Pope Francis at the G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, on June 15, 2024. (Credit: Republic of Kenya.)Kenyan President William Ruto greets Pope Francis at the G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, on June 15, 2024. (Credit: Republic of Kenya.)
President William Ruto joined the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, terming it 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," he said.
We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 21, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/YmMLL90ccw
African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also mourned the death of Pope Francis, describing him as a towering moral figure and a relentless advocate for peace, justice and human dignity.
He said the Pope had a special connection with Africa, often raising his voice for the voiceless, promoting peace and reconciliation and standing with communities grappling with conflict and poverty.
“As the world mourns this irreplaceable loss, the African Union pays tribute to a life lived with humility, courage, and an unshakable faith in humanity. His legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched and the values he upheld,” he said.
United States Vice President JD Vance, who had visited the Pope on Easter Sunday, expressed his sorrow, noting, "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 very ill... May God rest his soul.”
On Easter Sunday morning, shortly after 11:30 am at the Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis had a brief private meeting with the Vice President of the United States of America, JD (James David) Vance. https://t.co/ZMvrb7d9YL
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 20, 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Pope Francis’ unwavering commitment to the vulnerable.
“Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis had always sided with the most vulnerable and the most fragile, and 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,” he said.
Similarly, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Pope Francis’ values and leadership extended far beyond Catholicism, touching lives around the world.
“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 and social justice. May he rest in peace,” she said.
Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 21, 2025
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’… pic.twitter.com/FiI6SASNl8
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola remembered him as the “people’s pope,” whose joyful demeanour and compassion earned him global admiration. She said his voice for equality and social justice would leave a lasting legacy.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson highlighted Francis’ role as a moral and religious leader for nearly 1.5 billion Catholics. He also noted the Pope’s historic 2016 visit to Sweden during the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Other European leaders echoed similar sentiments. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof remembered Pope Francis as a symbol of simplicity, service and compassion, while Spain’s Pedro Sanchez called his death a loss for peace and social justice.
“His commitment to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace,” Sanchez said.
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.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 21, 2025
He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We… pic.twitter.com/Ww6NtsbWWS
In Scotland, First Minister John Swinney described Francis as a voice for reconciliation and tolerance, while Australia’s opposition leader Peter Dutton honoured his simple life and deep commitment to mercy and forgiveness.
At the United Nations, High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi recognised Francis as a tireless advocate for displaced and persecuted communities. He said the Pope's unwavering defence of refugees and migrants brought moral clarity in a troubled world.
“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,” Grandi said.
Australian Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton lauded Francis as a symbol of mercy and forgiveness.
“His Holiness, Pope Francis, served God with the utmost devotion throughout his life. He lived frugally and simply. Above all else, he was driven by Christ's values of mercy and forgiveness... May Pope Francis rest in peace.”
Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. ✝️ pic.twitter.com/8CGwKaNnTh
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2025
Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His rise as a Jesuit from Argentina marked a shift in the Church’s direction. He rejected traditional papal opulence, choosing instead to live in a modest guesthouse and focus on a pastoral, hands-on approach.
His tenure was not without challenges. Internally, he inherited a church divided by scandals and ideological rifts. While he sought to bridge those divides and restore credibility, he also drew criticism from both traditionalists and progressives, one side accusing him of abandoning Church doctrine, the other saying he did not go far enough in reform.
With deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, I join millions across the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.
— Rt.Hon.Dr.Moses Wetang'ula (@HonWetangula) April 21, 2025
A beacon of humility, compassion, and social justice, Pope Francis dedicated his life to serving God and humanity. His unwavering advocacy for… pic.twitter.com/T716WA2yND
Yet, despite the opposition, Pope Francis became a global figure of influence, popular among non-Catholics and admired for his efforts in interfaith dialogue and peacemaking. He consistently used his platform to spotlight issues such as climate change, migration, income inequality and war.
By February 2025, Francis had appointed nearly 80 per cent of the cardinals eligible to elect the next pope, shaping the Church’s future well beyond his lifetime.
The Vatican is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days, as the world prepares to bid farewell to a pope remembered as humble, courageous and deeply human.
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