Cardinal Kevin Farrell, head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, announced the news of the death of Pope Francis this Monday morning, from the Domus Sanctae Marthae where the Pope resided.
In a statement, Farrell said, “Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At exactly 7:35 AM this Monday, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church.”
The head of the Vatican’s Dicastery continued, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and inclusive love, especially towards those who are the poorest and most marginalized.”
Farrell added, “With great gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite and merciful love of God, the one God in the Trinity.”
Simon Harris, Ireland’s Foreign Minister, expressed hope that Pope Francis’s teachings would continue to inspire the world, stating that the late Pope’s commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity had a profound impact on millions around the globe.
In a statement, Harris noted that Francis’s advocacy for the poor, his calls for improved interfaith relations, and his focus on environmental protection all made him “a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless.”
Harris added, “Pope Francis faced his illness with great dignity and courage.”
He continued, “As many in Ireland and Christians around the world mourn his loss, we find strength in his message filled with hope, compassion, and empathy, which will continue to inspire us to build a better world for all.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed that the news of Pope Francis’s death “deeply pains us, as we bid farewell to a great man and shepherd. I had the honor of enjoying his friendship, guidance, and teachings, which never let me down, even in times of trial and suffering.”
Meloni added, “His teachings and legacy will not be lost. We bid farewell to the Holy Father with heavy hearts, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country has a predominantly Catholic population, expressed his condolences in a post on “X,” the social media platform.
Macron stated, “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest, to unite humanity with one another and with nature. May this hope remain forever after him.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte praised Pope Francis, stating that he “was a man of the people in every sense of the word.”
Rutte noted on “X,” “The global Catholic community mourns a leader who recognized the pressing issues of our time and drew attention to them. Through his sober lifestyle, charitable works, and empathy, Pope Francis was a role model for many—Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, remarked that Pope Francis’s efforts to build “a more just, peaceful, and merciful world” would long be remembered, according to the German news agency (dpa).
She wrote a post on “X” shortly after the Vatican announced the Pope’s passing at the age of 88, stating, “Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis.”
She continued, “He inspired millions, transcending the boundaries of the Catholic Church, with his humility and profound love for those less fortunate in life.”
She added, “I share in the grief of all who feel this great loss, and may they find comfort in the thought that Pope Francis’s legacy will continue to inspire us all toward a more just, peaceful, and merciful world.”
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, noted that “Pope Francis’s charming smile captivated the hearts of millions worldwide.”
Metsola wrote on “X,” “The Pope of the people will remain etched in memory for his love of life, his hope for peace, and his sense of equality and social justice. May God grant him mercy.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi mourned the death of Pope Francis with deep sadness, describing him as “an extraordinary global figure.”
In a statement shared by the Egyptian presidency on its Facebook page today, Sisi said, “With profound sorrow, we mourn His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Vatican, who has left our world leaving behind a great humanitarian legacy that will remain etched in the conscience of humanity.”
He added, “Pope Francis was an extraordinary global figure, dedicating his life to serving the values of peace and justice, tirelessly promoting tolerance and understanding among religions, and building bridges of dialogue between peoples. He was also a proponent of the Palestinian cause, defending legitimate rights and calling for an end to conflicts and the achievement of a just and lasting peace.”
He continued, “The loss of Pope Francis represents a tremendous loss for the entire world, as he was a voice for peace, love, and compassion, and an exemplar of fidelity to noble values.”
The German news agency (dpa) reported that Georg Bätzing, President of the German Bishops’ Conference, praised the late Pope Francis, calling him a “great Pope.”
Bätzing said on Monday that the Pope was also a courageous reformer, adding, “With great sorrow, we bow before a Pope who was eager to be among the people and go to the margins of society.”
The head of the German Bishops’ Conference noted that Pope Francis put a strong focus on the role of the Church and opened new pathways for communal living, stating, “The synodal path initiated by him will remain irreversible with the upcoming synodal assemblies in 2023 and 2024,” adding that Pope Francis was a bridge builder who brought people together. He said, “With gratitude, we bid farewell to Pope Francis, friend of humanity.”
Friedrich Merz, who is set to take over as Chancellor of Germany next month, mourned the death of Pope Francis.
The incoming Chancellor wrote on “X” Monday, “The death of Pope Francis fills me with deep sorrow… Francis will be remembered for his relentless commitment to the most vulnerable in society, for justice and reconciliation. His humility and faith in God’s mercy led him to that.”
Merz added, “In doing so, the first Latino American to sit on the papal throne left a profound mark on people worldwide, transcending denominational boundaries. In the meantime, I extend my heartfelt condolences to believers worldwide who have lost His Holiness the Pope. May he rest in peace.”
