Global leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

World leaders around the globe have expressed deep sorrow and paid heartfelt tributes following the passing of Pope Francis. Pope Francis passed away today, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, following a prolonged illness.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to Pope Francis, remembering him as a man of profound humility. She highlighted his love for the less fortunate and expressed hope that his legacy would continue to inspire the world. Vice President of the EU Commission Kaja Kallas also expressed her sadness. She extended her condolences to all Catholics in the world.

In a social media post, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the Catholic Church and the world have lost an advocate for the weak, a reconciler, and a warm-hearted person.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his sadness. He said Pope Francis’ tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy.

Italian Prime Minister Meloni also expressed deep sorrow and called him a great man and a great pastor.

French President Emmanuel Macron said, From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the



poorest.

With the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican is set to begin its centuries-old rituals that mark the end of one papacy and the beginning of another.

Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88, served as the head of the Catholic Church for 12 years, beginning his tenure as the Pope in 2013 after the retirement of his predecessor, Benedict XVI.

A nine-day mourning period known as the ‘Novendiales’ will now follow, a traditional period of reflection and prayer. The burial is expected to take place between the fourth and sixth day after his death, in keeping with Vatican protocol. The Pope’s body would also be displayed at St Peter’s Basilica for a public mourning.

While past popes have traditionally been buried beneath St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis chose a simpler resting place. He selected the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome – one of his favourite and frequently visited churches – as his final resting place, making him the first pope in a century to be buried outside the Vatican.

Two to three weeks after the pope’s funeral, the College of Cardinals will convene in the Sistine Chapel to hold a conclave for electing a new pope.