The World Bids Farewell to Pope Francis: Reactions from Global Leaders

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death has elicited a profound global response, with leaders from various nations paying tribute to his legacy of compassion, humility, and advocacy for the marginalized.

President Tinubu’s Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria expressed deep sorrow over the Pope’s passing, highlighting his role as a “humble servant of God” and a “tireless champion of the poor.” Tinubu emphasized Pope Francis’s commitment to justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. He recalled the Pope’s final public appearance during the Easter Sunday blessing, noting the poignancy of his passing just a day later. Tinubu urged the world to honor the Pope’s legacy through actions that uplift the downtrodden and defend human dignity. 

Global Leaders Mourn Pope Francis

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the Pope’s “humility” and his commitment to making the Church and the world better places. 

South Sudan President Salva Kiir described Pope Francis as a “beacon of hope, compassion, and unity,” recalling the Pope’s 2019 act of humility when he kissed the feet of South Sudanese leaders to encourage peace. 

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan referred to the Pope as a leader who devoted his life to advancing world peace and human progress. 

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa honored the Pope as “a man of profound humility who stood for peace, compassion, and justice.” 

African Union Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf in a statement paid tribute to “the Pope’s courageous engagement with the African continent, amplifying the voices of the voiceless, championing peace and reconciliation, and standing in solidarity with those affected by conflict and poverty.”

Trump shared a brief statement to Truth Social Monday, saying: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

Vice President JD Vance said on X he was “happy to see” Francis during their brief meeting on Easter Sunday, “though he was obviously very ill.”

• He added: “I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful.”

Former President Biden wrote that Francis “was unlike any who came before him.” 

“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.”

— Former President Biden

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said of Francis in a statement posted on X: “His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was often courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Monday post that Francis “knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his “most sincere condolences” for Francis’ death Monday, adding that “[t]hroughout 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.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said in posts to his social media accounts:”From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. For it to unite humans among themselves, and with nature. May this hope forever outlast him.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in social media posts “a great man has left us” as she noted she had “the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his counsel and his teachings, which never failed,” not even “in times of trial and suffering.”

Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Facebook spoke of his “profound sadness” at the pope’s death.

“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.”

— Taoiseach Micheál Martin

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on X paid tribute to the late pope’s compassion and said he “understood the importance of deepening relations with the Jewish world and sought to promote interfaith dialogue,” per an automatic translation.

• He hoped that “his prayers for peace in the Middle East will be fulfilled” and all the hostages being held by Hamas will be returned soon, added Herzog in his tribute to Francis, who criticized Israel’s attacks on Gaza.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on X noted Francis had “inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate” and said she hoped people “find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world” as he spoke fondly of his meetings with the late Pontiff and added his “affection for the people of India will always be cherished.”

Britain’s King Charles, who met with the pope at the Vatican earlier this month, said in a statement posted to social media: “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.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters: “Pope Francis’ compassion embraced all humanity, and today he will be mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that Pope Francis left behind “a legacy of faith, service, and compassion for all — especially those left on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recalled the pontiff as an inspiration for the entire world, not just Christians.

Pope Francis’s Final Wishes and Funeral Arrangements

In a testament penned in 2022, Pope Francis expressed his desire for a simple burial in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, near the icon of Salus Populi Romani. He requested a modest tomb with the inscription “Franciscus,” reflecting his lifelong humility. 

The Pope’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 CEST in St. Peter’s Square. Public viewing will commence on Wednesday, April 23, at St. Peter’s Basilica. Dignitaries from around the world, including leaders from Argentina, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States, are expected to attend.

Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a transformative papacy characterized by a deep commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. His legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide.