World Mourns Pope Francis Following His Passing

LYON, France — Mourning filled the air as church bells echoed, and people flocked to pews to pay their respects. Tributes for Pope Francis poured in from every corner of the globe on Monday following the Vatican’s announcement of the 266th pope’s passing at the age of 88.
Pope Francis was celebrated for his transformative efforts, prioritizing the poor and vulnerable, advocating for environmental protection, and steering the Catholic Church toward greater acceptance of the LGBTQ community. Despite these strides, opinions varied on his impact, with some believing he didn’t do enough, while others felt he overstepped.
Many remembered him as a trailblazer, being the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy, emphasizing humility over pride for a Church plagued by scandal. His Argentinian roots shone through his passion for soccer, a beloved sport in his homeland.
The world shared reactions following his final public address on Easter Sunday, when he blessed thousands in St. Peter’s Square.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who visited the pope on Easter before a trip to India, expressed on social media his sympathy for the millions of Christians grieving the pope’s passing. “I was fortunate to see him yesterday, though his illness was apparent,” Vance noted.
Former President Donald Trump also shared his condolences on Truth Social, saying: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
King Charles III commended the pope’s dedication to environmental stewardship, reflecting on their personal meetings, including one at the Vatican on April 10. “Meeting him was profoundly moving, especially after his recovery from pneumonia,” the King remarked.
Homage to Francis resonated globally, with bells tolling at sites like Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and St. Bartholomew Parish in the Philippines, where they rang 88 times to honor his life. The Philippines, a dominant Catholic nation, fondly recalled the pope’s 2015 visit, where he comforted Typhoon Haiyan survivors and celebrated Mass amidst millions.
Manila Archbishop Jose Advincula mentioned, “Pope Francis showed us how to endure with others and find hope amidst adversity.” His efforts in the aftermath of Haiyan’s devastation in 2013, which claimed many lives and displaced millions, were particularly remembered.
Martin Pendergast of LGBT Catholics Westminster in London highlighted Francis’s inclusive language, noting his use of the term “gay,” which marked a shift from past papacies. “His approach marked a transformation — and for some, a revolution,” Pendergast said.
The Women’s Ordination Conference expressed disappointment at Francis’s stance on female ordination, citing an incongruity with his otherwise pastoral approach. They lamented, “He remained a complex and often frustrating figure for women advocating for reform.”
Anne Barrett Doyle from BishopAccountability acknowledged Francis as a beacon for marginalized populations but critiqued his failure to address sexual abuse within the clergy, an issue they felt tarnished his legacy.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, leading the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, recalled the pope’s messages to U.S. bishops about aiding the marginalized, asserting that he consistently defended human dignity from life’s conception to its natural end.
French President Emmanuel Macron, from the Cyclone-affected Mayotte, praised the pope’s humility and dedication to the vulnerable during turbulent times.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni talked fondly of the pope’s personal reassurances, which comforted her during challenging moments, referring to him as a great figure whose guidance will be missed.
Argentine President Javier Milei, despite past tensions, expressed sorrow and respect for the pope, acknowledging the honor of knowing him personally.
The pope’s cherished soccer club, San Lorenzo of Buenos Aires, mourned online: “Goodbye, Holy Father” and “Our soul hurts,” reflecting on the national championship they clinched in 2013, the year of his papacy election.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te offered sympathies on social media, reiterating the pope’s lifelong commitment to advocating for peace and global unity. The Holy See remains a steadfast ally of Taiwan amid China’s diplomatic push for dominance.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa praised Pope Francis’s inclusive worldview and commitment to socio-environmental justice, essential in Africa’s rapidly growing Catholic community.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extolled the pope for his universal inspiration, crediting his humility and love as guiding lights beyond the Catholic faith.
Israeli President Issac Herzog honored the pope’s deep faith and compassion, reflecting on his critiques of Israel’s actions in Gaza and his peacemaking efforts in the region.
The Palestine Red Crescent acknowledged the pope’s support for justice, emphasizing his solidarity with the Palestinian people in their quest for freedom.
In Gaza, 19-year-old Christian Suheil Abu Dawoud remembered the pope’s advocacy for peace and reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis.
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted Francis’s compassionate act of visiting refugees on the Italian island of Lampedusa, underscoring his advocacy for the marginalized.
Russian President Vladimir Putin saluted Francis as a stalwart defender of human values, noting the pope’s call for negotiation in the Ukraine conflict, which at times was perceived as sympathetic to Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the hope and unity the pope symbolized, and his prayers for Ukraine and its pursuit of peace.
Dutch royalty, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, reminisced about their 2017 visit to the Vatican, extolling Francis’s embodiment of mercy and humanity.
The Dalai Lama commemorated the pope’s humble service to others, advocating for compassion and simplicity in living.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden memorialized Pope Francis as “the People’s Pope,” crediting his influence for personal enrichment.
Francis’s legacy, marked by compassion, humility, and efforts toward a more inclusive Church, continues to resonate worldwide, inspiring believers and non-believers alike.