Pope Francis, aged 88, died on 21 April 2025, prompting reactions from around the world. Condolences were offered by heads of state and government, as well as by officials of the Catholic Church and other Christian and religious leaders.
National leaders and governments
Africa – President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed condolences "to the Vatican, to all its institutions, and to all Christians throughout the world". – President João Lourenço sent a condolence message to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, expressing "pain and sadness" over the Pope's passing, calling it "a severe blow for the world" and an incalculable loss for Catholics. He also highlighted Pope Francis' legacy as a leader who stood out for his dedication to social justice, peace, and the defense of the most vulnerable. – The Government of Benin expressed its sympathies, stating that the Pope's life will be remembered for his humility, his proximity to the poor, and his unwavering support of social justice, peace, and inter-cultural communication. "Benin, a nation of religious harmony and tolerance, honors the memory of a man of faith and heart who upheld the universal values of humanity and fraternity," the statement continued. – Interim President Ibrahim Traoré paid homage to Pope Francis, stating that he remembers the Pope as a man who dedicated his life to the cause of justice and peace in the world, as well as the poor and most impoverished. He noted that despite the terrorism perpetrated on Burkina Faso, the Pope never stopped expressing his closeness and sympathy with the country. – President Évariste Ndayishimiye paid homage to the Pope's legacy of religion, peace, and humanity while expressing his condolences to the Catholic Church in Burundi and around the world. – President Paul Biya described the Pope as a "fervent servant of the Church" and sent the Vatican condolences of the Cameroonian people. – President José Maria Neves sent his condolences and praised "an enormous legacy for the Church and humanity." Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva hailed Pope Francis' legacy, describing him as a "great fighter for transparency, morality in the Church, for peace, for the dignity of immigrants and for the planet, in the face of climate change." – On 22 April, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra signed the Book of Condolences at the Apostolic Nunciature to Bangui. – President Mahamat Déby honored the Pope's legacy by calling him a world leader who dedicated his life to advancing human causes. He also emphasized the Pope's role as a devoted religious leader who stands near the weakest members of society and is an ardent advocate for peace. – President Félix Tshisekedi honored Pope Francis as a "great servant of God," praising his life as a testament to faith, humility, and a steadfast commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity. – President Denis Sassou Nguesso hailed Pope Francis's "engagement for climate, migratory issues, peace and poverty in the world". – President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh wrote on Twitter that Pope Francis leaves behind more than simply a spiritual legacy; he leaves behind the mark of a man who values justice, humanism, and fraternity. He continued by saying that the Pope had raised awareness of the need for peace, united cultures, and awakened consciences. – President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said Pope Francis "was a voice of peace, love and compassion". – The Government of Equatorial Guinea expressed condolences over Pope Francis's death, with the Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference honoring his spiritual leadership and commitment to peace and human dignity. – President Isaias Afwerki has expressed his sympathies to Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, praising the Pope as a man whose illustrious life was devoted to serving humanity and, in particular, advancing social justice for underrepresented groups in our global society. – On behalf of King Mswati III, Queen Ntfombi Tfwala, as well as the government and citizens of Eswatini, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini expressed the nation's condolences, describing the event as a significant loss for the Catholic Church and good-willed people worldwide. He called the Pope as a symbol of harmony, compassion, and peace whose legacy will continue to inspire and lead future generations. – President Taye Atske Selassie offered his condolences, expressing his profound sadness at Pope Francis' passing. He paid tribute to the Pope's life of dedication to world peace, humanity, and faith. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed wrote on Twitter, expressing his condolences, and for his wish for "his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come". – President Brice Oligui Nguema expressed his condolences on social media. He emphasized that the Pope's teachings on faith, peace, and humility will continue to serve as an example for all people. – President Adama Barrow sent his condolences and described the Pope as a visionary leader who was fully committed to promoting peace, global understanding, and harmony. – President John Mahama stated that he had personally met Pope Francis and that leadership and legacy of compassion for others will continue to inspire generations. – Prime Minister Bah Oury honored Pope Francis' memory by saying that he is close to the underprivileged and those in need who died on the day of the global celebration of Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. "A great voice and a great humanist conscience have been extinguished," he added. – President Umaro Sissoco Embaló offered his sympathy and called the Pope a "worthy man." He emphasized that while we cannot claim that there will not be another Pope like Francis who is crucial for humanity, we can acknowledge that Pope Francis was a distinguished leader. – President Alassane Ouattara called the Pope "a tireless artisan of peace and social justice", honoring "his dedication to the weakest members of society and his goal of creating a world in peace, more egalitarian and respectful of the environment". – President William Ruto described the Pope's death as a "big loss" to the Christian world, and praised his "unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice". – Prime Minister Sam Matekane expressed sorrow over the Pope's passing, calling him a genuine emissary of humanity and peace. – President Joseph Boakai expressed profound sorrow over Pope Francis's death, offering condolences to the Catholic Church, the Holy See, and Catholics worldwide on behalf of the Liberian government and people. – President Andry Rajoelina commended Pope Francis' simplicity and wisdom, saying that it "will always remain in my mind and heart, especially the love that always guided his steps," and recalled the Pope's visit to Madagascar. – President Lazarus Chakwera has stated that he will honor the Pope for his bravery in promoting global governance reform. He went on to say that the Pope set an example for the Catholic Church by enacting bold changes like the encyclical Laudato si. – On behalf of the Government of Mauritania, Minister of Islamic Affairs Sidi Yahya Ould Sheikhna Ould Al-Murabit expressed his condolences to Bishop Victor Ndione at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nouakchott. – Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam expressed his condolences and praised the Pope's "humility, compassion, and dedication to the most disadvantaged". The Mauritian flag was flown at half-mast on all government buildings until the day of the funeral. – King Mohammed VI addressed a message of condolences to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, and recalled the Pope's visit to Morocco. – President Daniel Chapo expressed his condolences saying, "May faith and hope comfort the bereaved hearts, and may the legacy of Pope Francis continue to enlighten our path." – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Pope Francis "shall be ingrained in our memories for his focused attention on the socioeconomic issues facing the developing world". She added that his death "reminds us about the need to redouble our efforts in favour of the most vulnerable to ensure a just and fairer humanity". – President Bola Tinubu called on the world to honor his teachings and celebrate his legacy, calling Pope Francis a champion of the underprivileged and a beacon of hope for millions. – President Paul Kagame expressed his condolences, praising the Pope as a world-renowned moral leader whose integrity and humility aided in mending the previously tense relationship between Rwanda and the Catholic Church. – President Brahim Ghali sent a message of condolence to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, following the death of Pope Francis. He expressed sorrow and emotion alongside condolences to the deceased and to the Vatican as a whole. – President Carlos Vila Nova wrote a letter of condolence to the Vatican, stating that Pope Francis is renowned for his warmth, his advocacy of simplicity, his involvement in social, environmental, and justice issues, his leadership in faith, and his invitation to be an entrepreneur of dreams rather than an administrator of fears. He went on to say that Francis was a reforming Pope and a universal symbol of humanism in support of the earth's underprivileged. – President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed his condolences, stating that the world lost a significant spiritual character. "The Pope embodied a living hope for millions of believers and people of good will through his commitment to the most vulnerable and his constant call for dialogue between peoples and religions," he continued. – President Wavel Ramkalawan wrote that the Pope's passing has devastated Christianity as a whole. He described the Pope as a dedicated bishop and a remarkable spiritual leader who stood out as an unyielding advocate for human dignity by responding to the passionate global need for justice. – President Julius Maada Bio expressed his condolences, stating that he was heartbroken. He urged those who had the honor of knowing the religious leader to "find comfort in our cherished memories of his leadership and compassion" and wished him "eternal peace." – President Cyril Ramaphosa said Pope Francis had "humility" and a profound commitment to "making the Church and the world a better place". – President Salva Kiir Mayardit called Pope Francis a "beacon of hope, compassion, and unity." He added that during the South Sudanese Civil War, Pope Francis' "act of kindness and humility demonstrated during our visit to Rome in 2019, when he knelt down to kiss our feet, was a turning point for us, the peace partners." – President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences, describing the Pope as a leader and educator who devoted his life to advancing world peace, human progress, and well-being. – President Faure Gnassingbé praised Pope Francis's unwavering efforts to uphold human dignity and assist the weakest members of society, actions that will live on in their collective memory. – On behalf of President Kais Saied, Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti traveled to Rome to offer condolences while attending the Pope's funeral. He also expressed Tunisia's solidarity with the Holy See's people and authorities in order to strengthen the world's foundations of security and stability. – The Government mourned Pope Francis's passing, recalling his 2015 visit as a moment of unity and spiritual renewal. Minister Chris Baryomunsi praised the Pope's commitment to peace and social justice, noting Uganda would be represented at his funeral. – President Hakainde Hichilema and his predecessor Edgar Lungu paid tribute to the Pope's legacy. – President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the Pope as "a man of profound humility who stood for peace compassion and justice".
Americas