Hours after celebrating Christ’s resurrection and meeting with Vice President JD Vance on Sunday, Pope Francis died early Monday morning at the age of 88, according to the Vatican.
Tributes from Catholics and others around the world quickly began pouring in, including from Vance.
According to Fox News:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Farrell announced.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance had just met with the pope on Sunday.
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul,” Vance said early Monday morning in a post on X.
Here’s a sampling of the other high-profile statements that have poured in via social media:
The King’s message following the death of Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/tnwvSoXcMh
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 21, 2025
Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.
pic.twitter.com/8CGwKaNnTh
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2025
Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the… pic.twitter.com/QKod5yTXrB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2025
Here’s a full transcript of the Indian prime minister’s statement from above:
Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.
I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.
Breitbart covered the unexpected Easter meeting between Vance and the pontiff:
A convalescing Pope Francis made a surprise appearance for Easter Sunday blessings at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square, defying the serious illness which has left him struggling over the past few months.
It had been unknown if the pontiff, 88, would join the Holy Week gathering following his recent discharge from hospital after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia, the BBC reports.
At the time, doctors said he would need at least two months of rest at his residence. Prior to Sunday’s celebrations, he had been seen out twice this week, the outlet notes.
“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” Francis said, drawing cheers and applause from the gathered faithful.
Here’s some coverage of his final address:
This is a Guest Post from our friends over at WLTReport.
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