Reactions from around the world poured in after Pope Francis died Monday at the age of 88.
Shortly after the news broke, the White House posted “Rest In Peace” alongside photos of Francis meeting with both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Vance met with Francis at the Vatican for about twenty minutes on Easter Sunday.
“Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.
Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. ✝️ pic.twitter.com/8CGwKaNnTh
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2025
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul,” Vice President JD Vance posted on X, sharing a link to a message on prayer delivered by Pope Francis on March 27, 2020.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared a similar message.
“On Easter Monday, Jeanette and I are saddened to the news of Pope Francis’ passing. We unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff’s soul and for this period of transition for the Catholic Church. May He rest in peace,” Rubio said.
Argentinian President Javier Milei also offered condolences. Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was the first pope from Latin America.
“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. Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his kindness and wisdom was a true honor for me. As President, as an Argentine, and, fundamentally, as a man of faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father and stand with all of us who are today dealing with this sad news,” Milei posted, according to a translation.
Other world leaders also reacted to the news.
“Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father. This news saddens us deeply, because a great man and a great pastor have left us. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted on X, according to translation. “We greet the Holy Father with hearts full of sadness, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.”
We mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis — a shepherd who led with courage & unwavering faith. Twice, we had the honour of welcoming him to Hungary,” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban posted.
🕯️ We mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis @Pontifex – a shepherd who led with courage & unwavering faith. Twice, we had the honour of welcoming him to Hungary. His prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Hungary, still resonates: “Instil into the hearts of… pic.twitter.com/xZuqeZtHt1
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) April 21, 2025
“Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world,” India Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X. “I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”
Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the… pic.twitter.com/QKod5yTXrB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2025
“Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church,” British Prime Minister Meir Starmer posted on social media.
