Several world leaders have been paying tribute to the late Head of Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who died on Monday.
Francis, whose original name is Jorge Marlo Bergoglio, died in his residence in Vatican City in the early hours of Monday. He was 88.
Nigeria;s President Bola Tinubu described the pope as “a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.”
The president said the passing of the Catholic head after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection is a sacred return to his maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.
He said the pope was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions.
“Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions. His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.
“His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end. In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.
“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger and reminded us that our common home—this Earth—is a gift we must protect for future generations,” President Tinubu said.
US President Donald Trump said the pontiff was “a very good man, who loved, loved the world, and he especially loved people that were having a hard time, and that’s good with me.”
“Rest in Peace Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” the president said in a post on his social media platform Truth.
He issued a proclamation ordering flags at the White House and federal and military facilities in the US and abroad to be flown at half-mast until sunset on the day internment.
Trump later posted, “Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!”
US Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, said, “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”
Vance, who met with the Pope in Vatican on Sunday, a day before he died, added, “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously ill.”
Russian President, Vladimir Putin, described Pope Francis as a “defender” of “humanism and justice.” He commended his efforts to prmote dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic churches.
Putin, who met the pope three times said, “During all the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the pope was “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion.”
Herzog added, “He rightly saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue as a path toward greater understanding and mutual respect.”
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, “May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come.”
President Emmanuel Macron of France said the late Catholic head had always been “on the side of the most vulnerable and the most fragile,” and fought for “more justice.”
The French president expressed his sincere condolences to Catholics the world over.
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky said Pope Francis said, “We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians.” He added that the pope had “prayed for peace in Ukraine and Ukrainians.”
The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, said, “Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s house. It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us.”
Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, the Pope “will remain in our memories for his indefatigable commitment to the most vulnerable, for justice and for reconciliation.” He further described the deceased as a man “guided by humility and faith.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Pope Francis’ “tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all” would be remembered.
British King Charles said he was “most deeply saddened”, praising Pope Francis’ “compassion” commitment to unity, and the environment.
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin said, “Pope Francis’ long and distinguished papacy was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of comparison, peace and human dignity.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, “I am sorry to hear of the death of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace.”
India’s Prime Minister Narenda Modi said, “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world.”
Modi added, “I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development.”
President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said the Pope was a global figure who “worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and build bridges of dialogue…..and was a champion of the Palestine cause, defending legitimate rights and calling for an end to conflict.”
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, “I join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a messenger of hope, humility and humanity.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa said, “Catholic and people of all faiths are saddened today by the passing of a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity.” He commended the pope’s advocacy for inclusion, equality, and environmental stewardship.
