Pope Francis dies, the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed.
The news of Pope Francis’ passing has shocked many around the world.
His passing comes just a day after he made a high-profile public appearance during the celebration of Easter and held a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. He continued to serve the Catholic Church until his final hours.
With the pontiff’s death, the Vatican now enters a period of mourning. According to tradition, all cardinals under the age of 80 will soon gather to elect a new pope—a process that typically spans two to three weeks.
Leaders from around the globe have expressed their condolences and reflected on Pope Francis’ enduring legacy.
UAE’s President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a message of condolences to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, on the passing of Pope Francis, Head of the Vatican.
Similar messages were sent by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
In the United Kingdom, King Charles III paid tribute, saying he and Queen Camilla were “most deeply saddened” to learn of the pope’s death. “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.
His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world,” Charles said, according to Buckingham Palace.
French President Emmanuel Macron honored the pope in a statement: “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be resurrected unceasingly beyond him.”
Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz echoed those sentiments, saying, “The death of Pope Francis fills me with great sadness. Francis will be remembered for his tireless commitment to the weakest members of society, to justice and reconciliation.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted the pope’s far-reaching impact: “The pope inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute: “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 world.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed sorrow at the pope’s passing: “Deepest condolences to the Christian world,” he said, remembering Francis as “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion” who “saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue.”
In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that flags would fly at half-mast on government buildings as a sign of respect. “For Australian Catholics, he was a devoted champion and loving father,” Albanese said in a national televised address. “Pope Francis lived out his faith and vocation in word and deed. He was truly inspirational.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also commemorated the pontiff’s life, stating: “A man of humility, his legacy includes an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, to social justice and to interfaith dialogue.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the pope as “a pioneer of interfaith harmony, peace, and the promotion of humanity,” adding that his passing is “an irreparable loss to the entire world.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the pope’s death was “a loss for all humanity, as he was a powerful voice for justice and peace, a champion of the poor and marginalized, and an advocate for dialogue between various religions and cultures.”
Malta’s President Myriam Spiteri Debono highlighted the pope’s work for peace, stating he “will be remembered for his humility, the particular attention he gave during his term to the poor and marginalized, and his continuous work for international peace and reconciliation between peoples.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk offered a brief but heartfelt message on X, describing Pope Francis as a “good, warm and sensitive man.”
As the global Catholic community mourns, preparations for the conclave to elect Francis’ successor are expected to begin soon, marking the end of a papacy that profoundly influenced the Church and the wider world.
