Pope Francis tributes: the world reacts to the pontiff's death
Reactions to the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday quickly began pouring into social media from around the world.
Crowds flocked to the Vatican, while tributes went up in other locations around the world including candles being lit tribute in Jerusalem's Old City.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, he became the world's 266th pope, leader of more than 1 billion Catholics globally, in 2013.
Vice President J.D. Vance, who was at the Vatican Sunday, posted on X moments after the pope's death was announced.
"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," Vance posted. "May God rest his soul."
President Trump, other US officials react to pope's death
President Donald Trump shared his condolences in a post on Truth Social, around 8 a.m. EST: "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"
Later, at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Trump said: "He was a good man, worked hard, he loved the world."
Former President Joe Biden, a Catholic, shared thoughts about Pope Francis in a post on X.
"Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him," Biden said. "As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless."
"He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church," Biden said. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People's Pope - a light of faith, hope, and love."
Former President Barack Obama said Pope Francis "was the rare leader who made us want to be better people," in a post on X.
"In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another," Obama said. "May we continue to heed his call to 'never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope.'"
Former Vice President Al Gore, in a statement, described Pope Francis as a "tireless champion for climate action."
"His humble leadership on the climate crisis sparked a moral movement that will continue to light the way forward for humanity," Gore said. "His advocacy of social and economic justice inspired billions around the world. I am grateful to have known and worked with him."
King Charles and other world leaders pay tribute to pope
Britain's King Charles, in a statement posted to the royal family's X account, said he and the queen were remembering their meetings with His Holiness with "particular affection."
“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,” Charles stated. “Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”“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.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, noted the “millions of people around the world” who will mourn the pope’s passing.
“His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church,” Zelenskyy posted on X. “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!”
Javier Milei, president of Argentina, shared an official statement on X, and a personal note bidding adios to the pope, a native of Argentina and the first pope from the southern hemisphere.
"Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his kindness and wisdom was a true honor for me," Milei said. "As President, as an Argentine, and, fundamentally, as a man of faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father and stand with all of us who are today dealing with this sad news."
In the official statement, Milei said: "The Argentine republic, a country of long Catholic tradition and the birthplace of Pope Francis, profoundly laments the death of His Holiness and sends its condolences to the Bergoglio family. The president of the nation is accompanying during this sad moment all those who profess the Catholic faith and who found in the supreme pontiff a spiritual leader."
Other messages from international leaders
Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russia released a message Putin sent with condolences to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, following the death of Pope Francis.
"Pope Francis was held in great respect internationally as a devoted servant of the Christian faith, a wise religious leader and statesperson, and a consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice," the message stated. "Throughout the years of his pontificate, Pope Francis actively promoted the dialogue between Russian Orthodox and the Roman Catholic churches, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See."
"I had many opportunities to converse with this outstanding man, and I will forever cherish his memory," Putin said.
Isaac Herzog, president of the state of Israel
"I send my deepest condolences to the Christian world and especially the Christian communities in Israel - the Holy Land - on the loss of their great spiritual father, His Holiness Pope Francis," Herzog posted on X. "A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world."
Keir Starmer, prime minister of the United Kingdom, posted a statement, with a note that he was “deeply saddened” to hear of the Pope’s death. “His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church.”
Mark Carney, prime minister of Canada, called the pope "a shepherd of deep moral clarity, spiritual courage and boundless compassion."
Through his teachings and actions, Pope Francis redefined the moral responsibilities of leadership in the 21st century," Carney stated. "His Holiness understood, and taught, that value in the market must never eclipse values in society."
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said the pope inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate."
"My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”
Emmanuel Macron, President of France
"From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature," Macron posted on X, after sharing an official statement. "May this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him."
Friedrich Merz, German-chancellor-in-waiting
Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon, in a post on X, said Pope Francis' death was "a loss for all of humanity, as he was a powerful voice for justice and peace, a champion of the poor and marginalized, and an advocate for dialogue between religions and cultures," according to a Google translation of the post.
Other religious leaders reflect on Pope's passing
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“We join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis," the First Presidency of the church shared in a joint statement. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who looked to him for inspiration and counsel. As the world pauses to remember his example of forgiveness and service, we feel deep gratitude for the goodness of a life well lived and rejoice in the hope of a glorious resurrection made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet sent a letter to the Most Reverend Leopoldo Girelli of India, who serves as the apostolic nuncio to India and Nepal, according to a statement on this website.
“His Holiness Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others,” he added, “consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”
Tributes from others
Leaders from all walks of life shared condolences and thoughts about the pope as well.
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, praised the Pope for his support: “With the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, we are losing a great friend and supporter of the Olympic Movement. His support for the peace and solidarity mission of the Olympic Games and the many refugee initiatives of the IOC has been unwavering.”
Queen Rania of Jordan stated: "In a world that can often feel heartless, Pope Francis always had love to spare — for the less fortunate, refugee families, and children in war zones, in Gaza and around the world. Humanity has lost an invaluable champion for peace and compassion today."
Melinda French Gates, philanthropist and author, posted on X: "By naming himself for the patron saint of the poor, Pope Francis placed poverty at the center of the Gospel. With grace and love, with faith in action, His Holiness used a healing hand to lift up the most vulnerable among us. Spending time with him was one of the honors of my life."
University of Notre Dame's president Rev. Robert A. Dowd also shared a tribute: "As Pope Francis often reminded us, no one is far from God's merciful love, and the Church must be a 'field hospital' to warm hearts, heal wounds and open doors."
Contributing: Joey Garrison
Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for Paste BN, has covered climate change, wildlife and the environment for decades. Reach her at dpulver@usatoday.com or @dinahvp on Bluesky or X or dinahvp.77 on Signal.