'Remembered For His Compassion': World Leaders React To Pope Francis's Death

Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican said. Based on the message, he had died at 7:35 am (local time). The death of a pope is officially confirmed by a cardinal known as the camerlengo (chamberlain), currently Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

After 38 days spending in the hospital, since February 14, Pope Francis returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wrote in a statement on X, that "Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world." He recalled his meetings with him and said he "was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development".

"Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father," said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement on X. "This news saddens us deeply, because a great man and a great shepherd has left us, she said. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering," she wrote.

French President Emmanuel Macron, remembered Pope Francis as someone who wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. 

"From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him. My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world,"

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Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union Commission, wrote: "He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate."

"Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis. He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate. My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world," von der Leyen wrote on an X post. 

Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner of UNHCR, said, "You stood up and spoke out — relentlessly — for the poor, the persecuted, the victims of war, the refugees, the migrants."

The Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, wrote in a statement on X, “With the passing of Pope Francis, nearly one and a half billion Catholics around the world have lost an important leader — both moral and religious. He will be remembered for his humility, his fight against poverty and social injustice, and as a steadfast defender of the dignity of every human being."

"Many Swedes especially remember Pope Francis’ historic visit to Sweden in 2016, when he took part in the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.”

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also posted his condolences on X, "I mourn the passing of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace."

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, State President of BJP Kerala, said he was deeply saddened by the news of his loss. "I had the honour of meeting His Holiness Pope Francis a few months ago. Its a meeting I cherish.", he wrote on X.

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