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World leaders and royalty quickly paid tribute to Pope Francis on Monday after the announcement of his death at age 88 following his drawn-out respiratory crisis.
Britain’s King Charles said he and his wife, Queen Camilla, were “most deeply saddened” by the pontiff’s passing.
World leaders paid tribute to Pope Francis after his death at age 88. REUTERS“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,” Charles said in a statement.
“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.”
The president of the pope’s native Argentina, Javier Milei, said: “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.”
His office, too, praised Francis’ focus on inter-religious dialogue, building up spirituality amongst the young and for pushing cost-cutting in the Vatican, something that tallied with Milei’s “chainsaw” austerity.
“Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me,” Milei added on X. “I bid farewell to the Holy Father and stand with all of us who are today dealing with this sad news.”
President Emmanuel Macron of France, a country that is largely Catholic, focused on the pope’s impact on the church, writing on X that “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. For it to unite humans among themselves, and with nature. May this hope forever outlast him.”
Meanwhile, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni — who was one of the few official visitors to see Francis during his recent hospital stint — alluded to the pope’s personal comfort and advice for her.
“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his counsel and his teachings, which never failed me, not even in times of trial and suffering,” Meloni said, saying that Francis’ death “deeply saddens us, as we are saying goodbye to a great man and a great shepherd.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: “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!”
Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a condolence message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell.
“Throughout the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See,” Putin said.
Israeli President Issac Herzog, whose role is mostly ceremonial, offered condolences and called Francis a man of “deep faith and boundless compassion.”
“I truly hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages will soon be answered,” Herzog posted on X, referring to the pope’s repeated calls for an end to the war and the release of captives held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
And Vice President JD Vance, who on Easter Sunday met with the pope before traveling on to India, wrote on X on Monday that his “heart goes out” to the millions of Christians who loved him, and said: “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.”
English (US)