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Celebrity Deaths: 2025’s Fallen Stars
Pope Francis is being honored around the world after his death.
The Vatican announced April 21 that the pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away at the age of 88.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement. "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and the marginalized."
Following his death, the Holy Father—who was hospitalized earlier this year while battling pneumonia in both lungs—was remembered by fellow world leaders, including King Charles III, who shared a message on behalf of himself and Queen Camilla.
"My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis," Charles began. "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," the king continued, "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. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many."
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Charles went on to reflect on his time with Pope Francis, including an April 9 meeting.
"The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month," Charles shared. "We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ."
The King’s message following the death of Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/tnwvSoXcMh
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 21, 2025The White House's official X account honored Pope Francis by sharing a photo of him with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, as well as a picture from Vice President JD Vance's Easter meeting with the Holy Father.
"Rest in Peace," the caption read, "Pope Francis."
Vance posted a separate message on his X account, writing, "I just leaned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. 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."
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The President of France Emmanuel Macron also remembered Pope Francis and his lasting legacy.
"From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest," he wrote on X, translated to English. "May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him. My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world."
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote a tribute on Facebook, stating, "Pope Francis has returned to the Father's house. A news that pains us deeply, because a great man and a great pastor leaves us."
"I have had the privilege to enjoy his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never diminished even in times of trial and suffering," she continued. "In his meditations on the Via Crucis, he reminded us of the power of the gift, which makes everything flourish and is able to reconcile what is inconcilable in the eyes of man. And he asked the world, once again, for the courage of a change of course, to follow a road that 'does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, preserves.'"
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Meloni added that we'll continue to walk in his path. "To search for the way of peace, to pursue the common good and to build a more just and equal society," she concluded. "His mastery and legacy will not be lost. We greet the Holy Father with a sad heart, but we know he is now in the peace of the Lord."
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