Global leaders have expressed their sadness and condolences following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, following his battle with several health challenges in recent months.
Many leaders spoke of Pope Francis as a pope of “firsts” – the first Latin American pope, the first non-European pope, the first Jesuit pope, the first pope to visit Iraq and the first pope to take the name of Saint Francis of Assisi, which shaped his papacy from the beginning to the end.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Pope Francis’ compassion embraced all humanity, and today he will be mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.” Mr Albanese said that tomorrow, Australian flags will fly at half-mast to honour Pope Francis.
Sam Mostyn, Australia’s Governor-General, extended her respect. “As millions of Australian Catholics mourn a spiritual guide, father and friend, we can all reflect on His Holiness’ message of peace; of respect for the rights and dignity of every member of our human family; and care for the Earth, our common home,” she said.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton said that “Above all else, he was driven by Christ’s values of mercy and forgiveness… He emphasised those values in his last Christmas address saying, ‘God’s mercy can do all things. It unties every knot; it tears down every wall of division; God’s mercy dispels hatred and the spirit of revenge.’”
King Charles shared that he and the Queen “will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ” and that the late Pope would 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.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a post on Facebook: “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.”
French President Emmanual Macron, in a post on X, wrote: “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. 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.”
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on X “Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church.”
“He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity…”He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians,” he wrote.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his “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.”
Vladimir Putin said: “During all the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of a dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive cooperation 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 memory of him,” he added.
The White House posted condolences on X with images of President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump meeting with Pope Francis, as well as JD Vance meeting him yesterday, the last leader to meet with the pontiff.
