The passing of Pope Francis is sad news for all Christians. He passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a rich legacy and new reforms that aimed to make the Church more inclusive and closer to people. He championed the cause of the LGBT community and stood with world leaders against Israel's war in Gaza.
World leaders and dignitaries paid tribute to the late Pope. Polish President Andrzej Duda said Francis had been guided by "humility and simplicity" throughout his ministry .
Emmanuel Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron said Francis was always on the side of the most vulnerable - and had done so with great humility.
"In this time of war and brutality, he had a sensitivity for the other, for the most fragile," Macron told reporters during a visit to Mayotte.
Kaja Kallas
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said she too was saddened to learn of Francis’ death: “When we met recently in Rome, I expressed my gratitude to Pope Francis for his strong leadership in protecting vulnerable people and upholding human dignity,” she said. “I express my condolences to all Catholics around the world.”
Dick Schoof
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said Francis' "modest way of life [and] acts of service and compassion" made him a role model for many Catholics and others.
Olaf Scholz
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that with the death of Pope Francis, "the Catholic Church and the world lose an advocate for the weakest people, a peaceful and generous person."
Isaac Herzog
Israeli President Isaac Herzog offered condolences to Christians in Israel and around the world:
“He rightly placed great importance on strengthening ties with the Jewish world and advancing interfaith dialogue as a path to greater understanding and mutual respect,” Herzog said.
Although Israel's relationship with Francis had been strained over the past 18 months over the Pope's calls to end the war in Gaza, Herzog added: "I hope with all my heart that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages will be answered soon."
Christopher Luxon
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon remembered the Pope as "a humble man" who left behind a legacy that included "an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, social justice and interfaith dialogue."
JD Vance
US Vice President JD Vance – who had a brief meeting with Francis on Sunday morning in Rome – said his heart was with the millions of Catholics around the world who had loved the Pope:
“I was happy to see him yesterday, even though he was obviously very sick. But I will always remember him for the following sermon he gave in the early days of Covid. It was truly beautiful. May God rest his soul in peace,” Vance said, sharing the text of a prayer given by Francis in 2020.
Vladimir Putin
Russia's President Vladimir Putin said Francis gained international fame as "a faithful servant of Christian teachings, a wise religious and state figure, and a steadfast defender of the high values ??of humanism and justice."
Narendra Modi
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Pope as a "beacon of compassion," while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called Francis a "voice of peace, love and compassion."
Stephen Cottrell
In the United Kingdom, Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York and interim leader of the Church of England, paid tribute to a “holy man of God” who was deeply committed to the poor and the environment: “I remember, in those few moments spent with him, how this holy man of God was also very human,” he said.
Tony Blair
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who converted to Catholicism after leaving office, remembered the late Pope as "an extraordinary and dedicated servant of the Catholic Church, admired both inside and outside of it for his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and service to all humanity - Christian and non-Christian."
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