By Philip Nwosu
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died yesterday, Easter Monday, at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.
The pontiff’s death followed a prolonged battle with double pneumonia, which had kept him hospitalised for five weeks at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. Despite his illness, Pope Francis made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting thousands of worshippers from an open-top popemobile in St. Peter’s Square and delivering his Easter blessing through an aide.
Francis, the 266th pope and a transformative figure in global Christianity, passed away peacefully, the Vatican said. His death has sparked an outpouring of condolences from world leaders, religious communities, and citizens across continents.
•Global mourning
In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to “a great man and a great shepherd,” adding that she was deeply saddened by his passing. “We say goodbye to the Holy Father with a heart full of sadness,” she said. Italy’s football authorities also postponed matches scheduled for yesterday in his honour.
The pope’s homeland, Argentina, expressed deep regret over his death. President Javier Milei, despite past tensions with the pontiff, commended his efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and financial reforms within the Vatican.
In Europe, European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, described Francis as a global moral compass. “He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and pure love for the less fortunate,” she said.
In the United States, the White House shared a tribute with a photo of Pope Francis meeting former President Donald Trump. Trump, posting on Truth Social, wrote: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him,” Vice President JD Vance, who met the pope on Sunday, expressed condolences to Christians worldwide.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the pope’s work to bridge the gap between the Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches. The Moscow Patriarchate described him as pivotal in fostering dialogue between the two faiths.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi called Pope Francis a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage, saying he served the poor with devotion and inspired hope in the suffering.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron praised the pope for his compassion toward society’s most vulnerable. “In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile,” he said.
Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, described Francis as “the best pope in my lifetime,” while Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, urged churches to ring bells and call for prayers for the pope’s eternal repose. Polish President, Andrzej Duda, honoured Francis as “a great apostle of mercy,” guided by humility and simplicity. Spain declared three days of mourning, with Justice Minister Felix Bolanos praising the pope’s “reformist” legacy.
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, described Francis as “a devoted champion and loving father” to Catholics worldwide, noting his advocacy for environmental stewardship.
In Africa, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed and Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church, described the pope’s death as a loss not only for Catholics but for all humanity. East Timor’s President, Jose Ramos-Horta, ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and called for a national Mass.
In Asia, Iran extended condolences to Christians globally, while the Dalai Lama expressed sadness and urged people to honour Francis by living warm-hearted and compassionate lives.
In the United Kingdom, King Charles said he was “deeply saddened,” describing Francis as a leader committed to unity and compassion. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised his legacy of striving for fairness and justice.
At the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the pope as “a messenger of hope, humility and humanity,” recognising his historic role as a global voice for peace and dignity.
•A life of firsts
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history when he became the first Jesuit and first Latin American to be elected pope in 2013. He will be remembered for his efforts to reform the Vatican, promote inter-religious dialogue, champion the environment and advocate for the world’s poorest and most marginalised.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Vatican in the coming days.