'Remembered For His Compassion': World Leaders React To Pope Francis's Death
World leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have expressed their condolences over the death of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican said. Based on the message, he had died at 7:35 am (local time). The death of a pope is officially confirmed by a cardinal known as the camerlengo (chamberlain), currently Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
After 38 days spending in the hospital, since February 14, Pope Francis returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wrote in a statement on X, that "Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world." He recalled his meetings with him and said he "was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development".
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… pic.twitter.com/QKod5yTXrB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2025
"Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father," said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement on X. "This news saddens us deeply, because a great man and a great shepherd has left us, she said. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering," she wrote.
Papa Francesco è tornato alla casa del Padre. Una notizia che ci addolora profondamente, perché ci lascia un grande uomo e un grande pastore. Ho avuto il privilegio di godere della sua amicizia, dei suoi consigli e dei suoi insegnamenti, che non sono mai venuti meno neanche nei… pic.twitter.com/pkRco1tgD3
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) April 21, 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron, remembered Pope Francis as someone who wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest.
"From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him. My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world,"
De Buenos Aires à Rome, le Pape François voulait que l’Église apporte la joie et l’espoir aux plus pauvres. Qu’elle unisse les Hommes entre eux et avec la nature. Puisse cette espérance ressusciter sans cesse au-delà de lui.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 21, 2025
À tous les Catholiques,… pic.twitter.com/oFKBJwaweH
ALSO READ: When Pope Francis Met PM Modi: A Warm Hug & An Invite To India
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union Commission, wrote: "He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate."
"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," von der Leyen wrote on an X post.
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
Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner of UNHCR, said, "You stood up and spoke out — relentlessly — for the poor, the persecuted, the victims of war, the refugees, the migrants."
May you rest in peace, Pope Francis.
— Filippo Grandi (@FilippoGrandi) April 21, 2025
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.@Pontifex pic.twitter.com/DoGt4KxiWH
The Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, wrote in a statement on X, “With the passing of Pope Francis, nearly one and a half billion Catholics around the world have lost an important leader — both moral and religious. He will be remembered for his humility, his fight against poverty and social injustice, and as a steadfast defender of the dignity of every human being."
"Many Swedes especially remember Pope Francis’ historic visit to Sweden in 2016, when he took part in the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.”
Med påve Franciskus bortgång har nästan en och en halv miljard katoliker världen över förlorat en viktig ledare - moralisk och religiös.
— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) April 21, 2025
Han blir ihågkommen för sin ödmjukhet, sin kamp mot fattigdom och social orättvisa och som en orubblig försvarare av varje människas…
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also posted his condolences on X, "I mourn the passing of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace."
Lamento el fallecimiento del Papa Francisco. Su compromiso con la paz, la justicia social y los más vulnerables deja un legado profundo.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 21, 2025
Descanse en paz.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, State President of BJP Kerala, said he was deeply saddened by the news of his loss. "I had the honour of meeting His Holiness Pope Francis a few months ago. Its a meeting I cherish.", he wrote on X.
I had the honour of meeting His Holiness Pope Francis a few months ago. Its a meeting I cherish. I am deeply saddened to hear about his passing 😢🙏🏻
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) April 21, 2025
My deepest condolences to all my catholic brothers and sisters in Kerala, India and all around the world 🙏🏻#RIP #PopeFrancis https://t.co/Q7PdHDC3GS
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