New York: World leaders hailed legacy of compassion and humility as they mourned the Argentinian pontiff. The death of the 266th pope prompted tributes from across the world.
United States
The White House shared a tribute on social media, writing “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis” alongside a photo of the pope meeting President Donald Trump and the first lady. Trump later called the late pontiff “a good man who loved the world” and “especially loved people that were having a hard time”. He also confirmed that he will attend Francis’s funeral, in what will likely be the first foreign trip of his second presidency.
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June last year. (Photo courtesy: X@narendramodi)
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. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.”
France
President Emmanuel Macron praised the late pontiff for his enduring solidarity with society’s most vulnerable. “In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile,” Macron said, commending his humility.
Russia
President Vladimir Putin expressed his “sincere condolences”, praising the efforts of Francis to strengthen ties between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Churches. The Moscow Patriarchate echoed the sentiment, saying the late pontiff had played a key role in advancing dialogue between the two branches of Christianity.
United Kingdom
King Charles said he was “most deeply saddened”, praising Pope Francis’s “compassion”, commitment to unity, and the environment. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, saying Francis’s “tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all” would be remembered.
United Nations
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed what he called Pope Francis’s historic influence as a voice for peace and human dignity.
“I join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a messenger of hope, humility and humanity,” he said in a statement.
