Pope Francis dies at the age of 8810 keys to the pontificate of Pope FrancisFrancis, first Latin American Pope in historyThe death of the Pope Francis has deeply moved the international community and has generated a wave of reactions among the world's main political leaders, who have wanted to publicly express their sorrow and pay tribute to the Argentinean Pontiff. Although his death has taken many by surprise, condolences have not been long in coming.
Vice President of the United States, JD Vancewho was the last political leader to see him alive, has published a message on social networks where he recalls his meeting with the Pope just the day before. "He was clearly very sick, but I'm left with the homily he gave in the early days of COVID. It was really beautiful. May God have him in his glory."
Also the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, who were recently able to greet the Pope, just out of hospital, have shown their sorrow for the death of the Pope who will be "remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of good will who work for the benefit of others. His conviction that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resonated with many people around the world."
Likewise, the Spanish King Felipe and Queen Letizia wanted to show their condolences to the Catholic community, highlighting the "testimony throughout his pontificate of the importance that love of neighbor, fraternity and social friendship have for the world of our century".
From Brussels, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der LeyenHe highlighted his figure as "an inspiration beyond the limits of the Church". In his words: "Today, the world mourns the death of Pope Francis. He inspired millions of people, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and his pure love for the less fortunate".
For his part, the president of Israel, Isaac HerzogThe Pope stressed the ties that Pope Francis was able to weave with the Jewish people, recalling his "deep faith, his tireless defense of the poor and his commitment to peace, especially in the Middle East".
Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Melonivisibly moved, she described the Pope as "a great man and a great shepherd", and said that she had the privilege of enjoying his friendship and advice, even in the hardest moments.
In France, the president Emmanuel Macron wanted to highlight Francis' closeness to the most vulnerable. "He had a great sense of the other, of the suffering, of the marginalized," he said, recalling his role during the most difficult years of the contemporary world.
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta MetsolaHe stressed that "Europe mourns the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. He highlighted his contagious smile that "captivated the hearts of millions of people around the world".
"The Pope of the People will be remembered for his love of life, for his hope for peace, for his compassion for equality and social justice", underlining in this last part the more political legacy of the papacy of Francis, for whom he wished "may he rest in peace".
The Prime Minister of India has also spoken out, Narendra ModiThe Pope said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of the Pontiff, with whom he met in 2021 and whom he had invited to visit his country.
From Latin America, the president-elect of Venezuela, Edmundo Gonzalezsaid that "his legacy of humility and commitment to the most vulnerable will be a moral guide for the world. And from Argentina, his native country, the president Javier Milei has shared an emotional message: "Despite our differences, it was an honor to know his goodness and wisdom. As an Argentine and as a man of faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father".
For his part, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmerhas published his condolences: "His leadership in complex and challenging times was courageous, but always guided by a deep and profound humility. He was a pope for the poor, the forgotten and the marginalized. Close to human frailty, he never lost hope for a better world".
The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has also emphasized his humility, Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusHe stressed the need for more leaders like him for his defense of "peace" and for prioritizing "the poorest and most vulnerable". "We will miss him very much," he added.
President of Ukraine, Volodymir Zelenski, has written in his account of X: "His life was dedicated to God, to humanity and to the Church. He knew how to give hope, alleviate suffering through prayer and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We join in the sorrow of Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. eternal remembrance!".
Thus, the Russian president, Vladimir PutinThe Kremlin has expressed a fond memory of the pope, whom it describes as an "outstanding man", and of whom the Kremlin has highlighted his impulse to dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
The future German chancellor has also expressed his condolences, Friedrich MerzThe President of the United States, who underlined the "deep sorrow" that his death leaves among the faithful around the world, and the Prime Minister of Canada, also spoke of the "deep sorrow" that his death leaves among the faithful around the world, Justin Trudeauwho has defined it as "a moral compass for millions".
The words of the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony AlbaneseThe words "He inspired the world with his message of compassion and hope" were equally heartfelt: "He inspired the world with his message of compassion and hope". From Poland, Andrzej Duda remembered him as "an apostle of Mercy", and in the Netherlands, the Prime Minister, Dick Schoof said that Francis "will be remembered as a man of the people".
The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchezposted: "I mourn the passing of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. May he rest in peace."
