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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican said, Al Jazeera reported. His death on Monday, April 21, 2025, came shortly after a bout of double pneumonia that left him hospitalized for five weeks at Rome's Gemelli University Hospital.
The pontiff made what would be his final major appearance a day earlier when he greeted thousands of Easter worshippers from an open-air popemobile in St. Peter's Square and delivered a blessing through an aide.
The death of Pope Francis has prompted an outpouring of condolences from global leaders and institutions, who praised his legacy of humility, justice and interreligious dialogue.
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni mourned the passing of "a great man, a great shepherd". She expressed her deep sorrow. “I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which never ceased, not even during times of trial and suffering,” she said. “We say goodbye to the holy father with a heart full of sadness.”
Argentina
The president's office said it "deeply regretted" the death of Argentina's first Catholic leader. President Javier Milei, who had previously clashed with the pope, praised Francis' focus on interfaith dialogue, encouraging spirituality among young people and his focus on cutting costs at the Vatican.
European Union
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Francis' life was defined by his efforts to build a more just and peaceful world. “He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate,” she said.
United States
The White House shared a tribute on social media, writing “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis” alongside a photo of the pope meeting with President Donald Trump and the first lady. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with the pope on Sunday, said: "My heart goes out to the millions of Christians around the world who loved him."
Palestine
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described Francis as a “a faithful friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” highlighting the Pope's recognition of the state of Palestine and permission for the Palestinian flag to fly at the Vatican.
From Gaza, Al Mayadeen reported, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim praised Francis as a “a steadfast advocate for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” noting his repeated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and condemning the suffering of civilians.
Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his "sincere condolences," and praised Francis' efforts to strengthen ties between the Orthodox and Russian Catholic Churches. The Moscow Patriarchate also expressed similar sentiments, saying the late Pope had played a significant role in advancing dialogue between the two branches of Christianity.
India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.”
France
French President Emmanuel Macron praised the pope for his enduring solidarity with the most vulnerable. “In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile,” Macron said, praising his humility.
Philippines
In the Philippines, which has Asia's largest Catholic population, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called Francis "the best pope in my lifetime," and praised his humility, faith and compassion for the poor. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David expressed shock and urged churches to ring their bells and invite people to pray for the pope's "eternal repose."
Poland
Polish President Andrzej Duda said the pope's example offered answers to contemporary challenges. “In his pastoral ministry, he was guided by humility and simplicity.”
Spain
Spain has declared three days of mourning. Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said in a televised address that the country regretted “the death of a good man and a great pope” and praised Francis’s “reformist” papacy that “will leave a legacy for history”.
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Francis would be mourned by Australians of all faiths, describing him as a “a devoted champion and loving father” to Catholics. “His compassion embraced all humanity,” Mr Albanese told ABC News. “He urged us to hear the cry of the earth and remember all we share.”
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the Pope's death was a loss not only to Catholics but to humanity. “May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come,” he said.
East Timor
President Jose Ramos-Horta described Francis' death as a global loss. He announced that the country's flags would be lowered to half-mast for a week and a Mass would be held to honour the pope's life and ministry.
Egypt
Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church mourned Pope Francis, calling him "a true example of Christian humility".
Germany
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, said Francis would be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the marginalized. “He was guided by humility and faith in God’s mercy,” Merz wrote in X.
Iran
Iran’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged Francis’ global spiritual influence. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran “extends condolences to all Christians around the world”.
Tibet
The Dalai Lama offered Buddhist prayers and wrote to the papal envoy to “express his sadness” over his death. “Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others … consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life,” the Buddhist leader said in a statement from his exile in India. “The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”
UK
King Charles said he was "deeply saddened," and praised Pope Francis' "compassion," his commitment to unity and the environment. Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his condolences, saying Pope Francis' “tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all” would be remembered.
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