Following Pope Francis, the leader of the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, international leaders expressed their sorrow and recalled him as “a beacon of compassion.” Many emphasized his commitment to social justice and interfaith dialogue, highlighting how his teachings transcended religious boundaries. People from all walks of life gathered to celebrate his legacy of understanding and peace as tributes flooded in.
The following are a few first responses to the 88-year-old pope’s passing:
France: ‘Stood for brotherly mankind’- The pope has always been “on the side of the most vulnerable and the most fragile,” according to French President Emmanuel Macron, who also claimed that the pope has advocated for “brotherly humankind.”
Italy: “A great man has left us” – “Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s home.” Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy, stated, “It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us.”
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India: ‘A beacon of compassion’ – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked, “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world.”
Adding,“I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development.”
Israel: ‘Strong ties’ – “He rightly saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue as a path toward greater understanding and mutual respect,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said.
Ireland: ‘Distinguished papacy’ – Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin stated that Pope Francis would be remembered for his “expression of pain and shame” regarding historic child abuses in the Catholic Church during his 2018 visit to Ireland, adding that his long and distinguished pontificate ” was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace and human dignity.”
Spain: ‘Profound legacy’- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated, “I am sorry to hear of the death of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace.”
Germany: ‘Indefatigable commitment’ – “Great sorrow” was voiced by the new German chancellor Friedrich Merz, who also called Pope Francis a man “guided by humility and faith.”
For his unwavering dedication to “the most vulnerable, for justice, and for reconciliation,” the pope, he added, “will remain in our memories.”
Palestinian president: ‘A faithful friend’- Mahmud Abbas, the president of Palestine, stated that the pope “recognized the Palestinian state and authorized the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican,” adding, “Today, we lost a faithful friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.”
Egypt: ‘Love and compassion’ – Egyptian President Fattah al-Sisi stated that the death of Pope Francis “is a profound loss for the entire world, as he was a voice of peace, love and compassion”.
He further expressed that the pope “worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and build bridges of dialogue… and was a champion of the Palestinian cause, defending legitimate rights and calling for an end to conflict”.
Ethiopia: ‘Service to Humanity’ – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, “May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come.”
Lebanon: ‘A loss for humanity’ – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated, “We will never forget his repeated calls to protect Lebanon and preserve its identity and diversity.”
He called Pope Francis’s death “a loss for all humanity, for he was a powerful voice for justice and peace” who urged “dialogue between religions and cultures”.
Kenya: ‘Servant leadership’ – “He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable,” Kenyan President William Ruto said.
“His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background.”
Barbados’s Prime Minister Mia Mottley stated, “The world today feels like a lonely place with the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. For me, Pope Francis was the beacon of global moral strategic leadership.”
She added, “I confess that it was Pope Francis’ writings and teachings that guided and inspired me through the dark and desolate days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as I worked with others to lead Barbados through that period of grave uncertainty. He was, in every sense, my hero.”
Jamaican Opposition Leader Mark Golding stated that his life was “a testament to spiritual devotion, moral clarity and a tireless, progressive commitment to unity and human dignity”.
The People National Party leader further noted, “To the Catholic community across Jamaica, I offer heartfelt sympathies during this time of reflection and mourning. May you find comfort in the pope’s enduring legacy of compassion, humility and faith…May his soul rest in peace, and may his example continue to inspire all who strive for a more just and loving world.”
Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, stated, “I am truly saddened, this morning, at news of the death of Pope Francis. Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and vulnerable. As head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis was a champion and advocate for change and used his papacy to highlight issues of fairness, equity, climate change and more.”
Holness added, “Pope Francis has influenced and touched the lives of millions in every corner of the world. On this deeply sad day, I send condolences to the Catholic community, Christians and all who mourn the death of Pope Francis. May his soul rest in peace.”
In a social media post, Stuart Young, the prime minister of Trinidad & Tobago, praised Francis as a wonderful and modest leader who was well-known for advancing global diplomacy.
“Pope Francis focused on uplifting the poor and vulnerable… He approached modern topics with an open mind and was not afraid to suggest the need for change. He was a known advocate for action on climate change and showed genuine concern with the regard for treatment of migrants and often called for more protection for migrants and others who found themselves in vulnerable circumstances.”
