World leaders paid tributes to Pope Francis on Monday, remembering him as “a symbol of compassion,” as the passing of the 88-year-old leader of the 1.4 billion Catholics triggered a worldwide outpouring of grief.
Below are some initial responses to the demise of the pontiff:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Francis “prayed for peace in Ukraine and for the Ukrainian people,” and “we grieve together with Catholics and all Christians,” he wrote on social media. His Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, described the Pope as a “wise” religious leader, a “statesman,” and a “consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice,” who “actively promotes dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.”
From the United Kingdom, Prime Minister, Keith Starmer remarked that “His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility,” while King Charles added that “Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many”.
Other European leaders also paid their tributes. French President Emmanuel Macron said the pope had always been “on the side of the most vulnerable and the most fragile” and that he had stood for “brotherly humankind”; Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, “Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s home. It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was sorry to hear of the death of Pope Francis, adding that “His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy.” Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed “great sorrow” and described Pope Francis as a man “guided by humility and faith”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said “He rightly saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue as a path toward greater understanding and mutual respect,” while Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said “Today, we lost a faithful friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” said, noting that the pope “recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican”. Egyptian leader Fattah al-Sisi said the death of Pope Francis “is a profound loss for the entire world, as he was a voice of peace, love and compassion”.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu said, “He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity. In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor.” Kenyan President William Ruto noted that “His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions worldwide, regardless of faith or background.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world,” with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos calling him a man of “profound faith and humility”
