Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, died Monday at 88 years old. It’s no wonder that news of his death has rippled around the world, sending shockwaves from the United States to Myanmar and beyond. World leaders have responded accordingly, welcoming his reformist zeal and dedication to social justice. When Pope Francis was elected in 2013 following the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, he went on to make history by becoming the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, born in Argentina to Italian-Argentinian parents.
His final official engagement was an Easter Sunday meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The White House’s official X account shared their condolences in a touching message. They featured two pictures of Pope Francis, one with then-President Donald Trump and Melania, and the other with JD Vance.
Progressive— This was a man who used his power to joust with the scholars and extremists who have long dominated the Catholic Church’s conservative wing. In his district, he gained overwhelming support from progressives, especially for his dedication to social justice and defending marginalized communities. His papacy stunned the world with breathtaking moral clarity and prophetic denunciations. He publicly denounced violence across the Middle East and unapologetically called for a ceasefire amidst the current Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Pope Francis reinforced this incalculable truth in that now-famous homily at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Within it, he stressed how crucial hope and joy can be. His words spoke to all of us, reassuring a nation in fear and confusion. French President Emmanuel Macron remarked on this sentiment, stating that Pope Francis “wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest.”
One need only look at the statements from world leaders on social media and in public statements to see how deeply mourned he will be. JD Vance stated, “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill… May God rest his soul.” He reminisced on Pope Francis’s historic homily at the beginning of the pandemic, calling it “really quite beautiful.”
Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, expressed her grief by saying, “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.”
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Pope Francis for his humility. She focused on his profound concern for those who are poor. Similarly, Polish President Andrzej Duda praised him for being guided by humility and modesty in his journey as a spiritual leader.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof put his finger on what made Pope Francis so special when he said, “In every sense of the word, a man of the people. This line has emerged as a rallying cry as millions look back on his relationship with everyday people across the globe.
Tributes are coming in from around the world. Pope Francis’s legacy, as a reformer of the Curia, and as an advocate for marginalized groups, lives on. His demands for social justice have planted the seeds of activism and inspired millions of people and movements. Many are pledged to preserve his legacy by walking in his footsteps, working to foster peace, compassion and hope in the world.
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