Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at age 88, says the Vatican.
His death on Monday came shortly after an episode of double pneumonia that kept him hospitalized for five weeks at the Hospital of the Gemelli University of Rome.
Only one day beforeThe Pontiff did what his final appearance would be as He greeted thousands of Easter faithful from an open Popemobile in the Plaza de San Pedro and delivered a blessing through an assistant.
The death of the 266th Pope has caused tributes around the world:
Italy
The Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, cried the loss of “a great man, a great shepherd” and expressed deep sadness.
“I had the privilege of enjoying their friendship, their advice, their teachings, which never ceased, not only deepening the times of judgment and suffering,” he said. “We say goodbye to the Holy Father with a heart full of sadness.”
Italy soccer authorities postponed scheduled matches for Monday.
European Union
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that Francis’s life was defined by his efforts to build a more fair and peaceful world. “He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and so pure love for the less fortunate,” he said.
USA
The White House shared a tribute on social networks, writing “rest in peace, Pope Francis” along with a photo of the Pope who met with President Donald Trump and the first lady Melania Trump.
Vice President JD Vance, who with the Pope on Sunday, said; “My heart is with the millions of Christians worldwide who loved him.”
Russia
The Russian Orthodox Church accredited Francis for helping to promote the closest ties between Moscow and the Vatican, according to a statement carried by the state news agency TASS. The patriarchy said that the late Pope played an important role in the progress of the dialogue between the two historical branches of Christianity.
India
The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said: “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a lighthouse of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions of people around the world. He diligently served the poor and oppressed. For those who.
France
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, praised the Pontiff for his lasting solidarity with the most vulnerable of society. “In this moment of war and brutity, it made sense to the other, for the most fragile,” Macron said, praising his humility.
Germany
Friedrich Merz, German chancellor waiting, said that Francis would be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the marginalized. “He was guided by humility and faith in the mercy of God,” Merz wrote in X.
United Kingdom
King Carlos III said he was “sadder” for Francis’s death, praising his “compassion” and commitment to unity and the environment. They remembered their recent meeting with “particular affection” and called the Pope a “faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, saying that the “tireless efforts of Francis to promote a world that is more just for everyone” would be remembered.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, a Catholic convert, said that Francis was admired for his “humility, compassion and unwavering commitment” for both Christians and non -Christians.
Poland
The Polish president Andrzej doubts Francis as “a great apostle of mercy,” saying that the Pontiff’s example offered responses to contemporary challenges. “In his pastoral ministry, he was guided by humility and simplicity.”
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanian said that Francis would be cried by Australians of all religions, describing him as “a devout champion and loving father” to Catholics. “His compassion hugged all humanity,” Albanian told ABC News. “He urged us to listen to the shout of the earth and remember everything we share.”
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that the death of the Pope was a loss not only for Catholics but also for humanity. “May your soul rest on eternal peace, and that its legacy of compassion, humility and service to humanity continues to inspire coming generations,” he said.
Timor Es
President José Ramos-Horta described Francis’s death as a global loss. He announced that the nations flags would be reduced by half the staff for a week with a mass to continue in homage to the life and service of the Pope.
Iran
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognized Francisco’s global spiritual influence. The spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that I will “extend the condolences to all Christians around the world.”
Philippines
In the most predominantly Catholic country in Asia, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said he was trembling and Saddend. “Oh my God. I’m very surprised by this,” he said. “Let’s call the bells of our churches and call our people to pray for the eternal rest of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who died.”