- Pope Francis died aged 88 after meeting JD Vance over Easter
- He recently suffered from double pneumonia
- Many famous faces have paid their respects to the late Pope
Pope Francis has passed away aged 88, and the tributes from international figures have poured in.
The Vatican revealed via video statement that he died on Easter Monday after delivering his last ever Easter message and recovering from a bout of double pneumonia.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell also posted on X.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
Read more: Pope Francis dead at 88 after meeting JD Vance
He continued, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Who has paid tribute to Pope Francis?
The US President JD Vance offered his condolences to both Pope Francis and his followers. The politician was one of the last ones to meet with him on Easter Sunday.
“I just leaned [sic] 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,” he wrote on X.
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.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 21, 2025
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…
French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted his care for “fragile” communities all over the world. Francis was a noted advocate for the poor and vulnerable like refugees, LGBT groups and so on.
He told reporters, “In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla paid tribute to him. His Majesty released a statement saying they were both “most deeply saddened” to hear of his passing and “were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month”.
Any celebs?
Antonio Bandaras took to Instagram to pay his respects to the late pontiff.
On a photo of the pair meeting, he wrote in the caption, “Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people.”
Whoopi Goldberg also sent her condolences while praising the charisma of the man.
“He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and non-believer,” she wrote on Instagram.
“He felt like Pope John the 2rd wo made belief real. Sail on Pope Francis with your love and humanity.”
Sarah, Duchess of York, wrote on her Instagram Story that he embodied “no better example of total humility in kindness and compassion.”
Toni Collette added that “he was a good one” via her Instagram Story.
Octavia Spencer shared a black-and-white graphic of Pope Francis.
