By Jacinth Banite
The whole world was devastated when the Vatican announced on April 21, 2025 the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88.
Francis, whose real name was Jorge Bergoglio, had led the Catholic Church since 2013, leaving a legacy of humility and change, as he consistently stood against human rights abuses, but alongside marginalised sectors of society.
Such a mark was upheld by government leaders and famous celebrities who paid respect and conveyed their admiration to the late Argentine pontiff, moments after the news of his death broke out.
“Rest in Peace”
In separate statements posted on social media, figureheads of various nations across the globe expressed regrets over the passing of Pope Francis, among them was President Javier Milei of Argentina, his homeland.
“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,” Milei wrote on X on April 21.
“Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his kindness and wisdom was a true honour for me,” he added, in reference to an earlier conflict that had him accusing Francis of “political interference” and calling him an “imbecile” who “promotes communism.”
Milei concluded his message by saying: “As President, as an Argentine and, fundamentally, as a man of Faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father and I accompany all of us who today are faced with this sad news.”
The Donald Trump administration of the United States also took to the same platform to honour Francis, but with a simpler message.
“Rest in Peace, Pope Francis” said a post from the White House, alongside an image of Trump and his wife, Melania, meeting the pontiff in 2017 and a snap from Vice President JD Vance’s recent meeting with him at the Vatican.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also weighed in on the Pope’s unsurprising demise, insisting on how “he 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,” the EC chief lamented on X.
Britain’s King Charles reminisced “with particular affection” his fond encounters with Francis over the years, with special mention of his recent face-to-face engagement with the pontiff in early April.
“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,” said the British monarch.
The presidents of warring Russia and Ukraine were among the roster of European leaders who shared sentiments in relation to the Pope’s death, but with differing contexts.
READ MORE: South Pacific countries reflect on late Pope Francis’ legacy
Prayers for peace
Volodymyr Zelensky spoke of the Pope’s persistent prayers for peace in Ukraine amid Russia’s continued aggression since 2022.
“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!” Zelensky said on X.
“He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity.”
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin in his message made no mention of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and instead put emphasis on Francis’ active promotion “of the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See.”
“Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Putin said in a message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, as reported by Reuters.
“Sail on, Pope Francis”
The collective mourning over Francis’ death powers through from politics to showbiz, as messages of condolences and adorations from various Hollywood personalities poured through on social media and the press, including that from award-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese.
Speaking with Variety magazine, the “Shutter Island” creator regarded the Pope “in every way, a remarkable human being,” who “acknowledged his own failings” and “radiated wisdom” and “goodness.”
“The loss for me runs deep – I was lucky enough to know him, and I will miss his presence and his warmth,” lamented the director, who explored the Catholic faith and spirituality in several of his films, such as “Silence,” “The Last Temptation of Christ” and “Mean Streets.”
“The loss for the world is immense. But he left a light behind, and it can never be extinguished,” Scorsese continued.
Kindness, love and mercy
On Instagram, Spanish actor Antonio Banderas called Francis a man who “at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love and mercy to the neediest people,” alongside a photo of him shaking the Pope’s hand at an undisclosed event.
Likewise, actor-comedian Whoopi Goldberg made a quite similar post on the same platform, saying Francis was “the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and non believer.”
“He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real,” Goldberg said.
“Sail on Pope (Francis) with your love of humanity (and laughter).”
Comedian and talk show host Jimmy Fallon also shared on social media his last encounter with the Pope at the Vatican in June 2024.
“It was an honour meeting Pope Francis last summer,” the Tonight Show host wrote on X.
“I’m glad I made you laugh. Thank you for your encouraging words. Rest in peace.”
Poem tribute
Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Patty Smith did her tribute on Instagram differently – through a poem.
Under a photo of a dandelion, she wrote in the caption: “This is a little flower, a dandelion humble yet strong. I saw it this morning and was moved. Farewell dear Pope Francis. Nature and poetry and the suffering shall miss their champion.”
The death of Pope Francis came just a day after he delighted the crowd of worshippers on the Balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday.
The Vatican said he died after suffering from a stroke which led to coma and cardiac arrest.
In front of the whole world, Francis was laid to rest on April 26, 2025 in the presence of high-level international delegations and approximately 400,000 mourners.
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