As the world mourns the passing of Pop Francis, tributes have continued to pour in appreciation of his life and times.
First to pay tribute was the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who said she was deeply saddened by his death.
She wrote: “I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering.”
The UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the pope’s death, writing on X:
“His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy, he said, On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church.”
In his post, he said he joined millions around the world grieving Pope Francis’s death, going on to praise his leadership in “complex and challenging” times, saying it was “courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility”.
Sir Keir wrote: “Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost the faith-fuelled hope of a better world.
“That hope was as the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity.
“With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.”
A Former UK leaders also paid tribute, including Tony Blair, who converted to Catholicism in 2007 after stepping down as prime minister.
Mr Blair wrote on X: “Pope Francis was an extraordinary and devoted servant of the Catholic Church, admired both within and beyond it for his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and the service of all humanity – Christian and non-Christian alike. Cherie and I are deeply saddened by his passing. May he rest in peace.”
US vice president JD Vance, who briefly met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, wrote on X: “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”
Sharing the text of the prayer Pope Francis delivered in March 2020, Mr Vance went on: “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful.”
Mr Vance concluded: “May God rest his soul.”
And Argentina’s President Javier Milei wrote ” Pope Francis was born and brought up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the son of Italian immigrants. “It is with profound sorrow that I learned this sad morning that Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, passed away today and is now resting in peace.”
“Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me.”
And from the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy comes the message, “He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians.
“We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!”
For the Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin : “Pope Francis enjoyed great international authority as a faithful servant of Christian teaching, a wise religious and statesman, and a consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice.
“Throughout his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See.
“I had the opportunity to communicate with this outstanding person on many occasions, and I will forever preserve the brightest memories of him.”
Mr Putin also sent a message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell offering his condolences.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said of Pope Francis: “I love this pope. The best pope in my lifetime as far as I’m concerned.”
Separately, he said: “A man of profound faith and humility, Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten.”
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared pictures of him embracing Pope Francis on X, and said he was “deeply pained” by his loss and offered his “heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community”.
Mr Modi wrote: “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world.
“From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.
“I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development.
“His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”
And French President, Emmanuel Macron said, “Throughout, his pontificate Pope Francis had always sided with the most vulnerable and the most fragile, and that he did this with a lot of humility. In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile”.
Also, Germany’s Chancellor-in-Waiting Friedrich Merz noted, Pope Francis would be remembered for his tireless commitment to society’s weakest members.
He posted on X: “He was guided by humility and faith in God’s mercy.”
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog wrote on his part described him as , “A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world.”
Referring to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, he added: “I truly hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages [in Gaza] will soon be answered.”
Head of the Italian Bishops Conference (CEI) Cardinal Matteo Zuppi
Head of the Italian Bishops Conference (CEI) Cardinal Matteo Zuppi called the pope’s death “a painful moment of great suffering for the entire Church”.
In a statement, he asked all churches in Italy to ring their bells in a sign of mourning and for moment of personal and communal prayer.
President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, was taken aback by news of Pope Francis’s death, saying, “Oh my God. I am so shocked by this.”
Speaking early on Monday morning, he went on: “Let us please ring the bells of our churches and call our people to prayer for the eternal repose of the Holy Father Pope Francis who passed on just about ten minutes ago.”
And from King Charles in a statement from Buckingham Palace, the King hailed Pope Francis for touching “the lives of so many”.
The King and Queen met the pontiff earlier this month, during a visit to Italy.
He said in the statement: “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.
“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.
