Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, just a day after celebrating Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

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The Vatican confirmed his death following a prolonged illness. Despite a recent hospital discharge and resumption of papal duties, his sudden passing has left millions of Catholics and global leaders in mourning.​

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World leaders and dignitaries took to social media platforms, including Facebook and X, to express their condolences and pay tribute to Pope Francis, recognized widely as a spiritual reformer and a symbol of humility, compassion, and peace.​

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King Charles reflected on his recent meeting with Pope Francis, stating:“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.”​

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Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, General Secretary of the Commonwealth, shared her sorrow in a Facebook post:“Deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His advocacy for the poor, peace and tolerance touched the lives of people across the Commonwealth and the world. May he rest in peace.”​

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French President Emmanuel Macron honored the late pontiff as “a man of humility,” acknowledging Francis’s personal simplicity and his devotion to the marginalized.​

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Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof remembered him as “a man of the people in every way,” reflecting the Pope’s lifelong commitment to bringing the Church closer to ordinary people.​

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European Parliament President Roberta Metsola remarked on his warmth and universal appeal, saying, “His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe.”​

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the Pope’s compassion: “Pope Francis showed boundless compassion and dedication to building bridges between faiths. His legacy of peace and unity will endure.”​

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Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter echoed similar sentiments, describing Francis as “a great spiritual leader, a tireless advocate for peace.”​

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Scottish First Minister John Swinney highlighted the Pope’s moral voice in international affairs: “He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in a world that desperately needed it.”​

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Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in his tribute on X wrote: “May you rest in peace, Pope Francis. You stood up and spoke out, relentless for the poor, the persecuted and the victims of war, the refugees, and the migrants. May you continue to give us faith and courage in this brutal world.”​

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Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union, paid his tribute to the late Pope for his 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.​

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The Church of England also offered prayers for the late Pope Francis.​

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In the Catholic faith, preparations are underway in Rome, Italy, to identify a successor for Pope Francis.​

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