Pope Francis celebrates the mass for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces at St. Peter's square in the Vatican on 9 February 2025. Photo: AFP / Alberto Pizzoli
World leaders are remembering Pope Francis as a "man of the people", who "always sided with the most vulnerable and the most fragile", as they react to his death.
The death of the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church was announced by the Vatican on Easter Sunday (European time). He was 88.
It comes one day after he made a public appearance in Vatican City, where he had appealed for a ceasefire in Gaza during his final speech.
He had battled ill health for some weeks, having spent 38 days in Rome's Gemelli hospital between 14 February and 23 March.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Pope Francis as a "man of humility" and said his legacy "includes an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, to social justice and to interfaith dialogue".
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis.
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) April 21, 2025
A man of humility, his legacy includes an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, to social justice and to interfaith dialogue.
My thoughts are with Catholics and all those in New Zealand and around the world who mourn…
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand and its government joined "in mourning his loss and honour his enduring legacy of humility and compassion".
On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, we extend our deepest condolences to the Holy See and the global Roman Catholic community on the passing of Pope Francis.
— Winston Peters (@NewZealandMFA) April 21, 2025
We join in mourning his loss and honour his enduring legacy of humility and compassion.
-Acting…
"Throughout his papacy, he showed deep compassion and an unwavering commitment to social justice, inclusion, and the dignity of every person," Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins said.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. Throughout his papacy, he showed deep compassion and an unwavering commitment to social justice, inclusion, and the dignity of every person. His leadership challenged us all to build a fairer and more caring world.
— Chris Hipkins (@chrishipkins) April 21, 2025
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark said she was "deeply saddened" to hear of the Pope's passing.
Deeply saddened by news of the death of Pope Francis; respected globally for his dedication to peace & justice. He also made history as the 1st Pope from Latin America. May Pope Francis rest in peace now. @Pontifex https://t.co/jJSBTm23Lu pic.twitter.com/y9ZMjtEnh7
— Helen Clark (@HelenClarkNZ) April 21, 2025
In a post to the official Instagram account of the Royal Family, King Charles said he and wife Camilla were "most deeply saddened" to learn of Francis' death.
"Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry".
King Charles said Pope Francis will be remembered "for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others".
Pope Francis during a private meeting with Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla in The Vatican on 9 April, 2025. Photo: AFP / Vatican Media
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Francis was "close to all Australians".
Speaking to ABC Australia, he said Pope Francis' compassion "embraced all humanity".
"He urged us to remember all we hold in common, and he asked the world to hear the cry of the earth, our common home."
Francis was "truly inspirational in his modest way of life and at his weekly audiences, he demonstrated his commitment to peace, equality and inclusion".
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 21, 2025
Australian Opposition leader Peter Dutton said he "served God with the utmost devotion throughout his life".
With God, may Pope Francis rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/30JiMnHqz8
— Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton_MP) April 21, 2025
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Pope Francis' "tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy".
"Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten."
Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church. pic.twitter.com/rrmadD29Dr
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 21, 2025
United States Vice President JD Vance said his heart goes out to "the millions of Christians" who loved him.
He added that was happy to have seen Francis yesterday, "though he was obviously very ill".
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.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 21, 2025
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…
The official White House X/Twitter account posted simply: "Rest in Peace, Pope Francis".
US President Donald Trump met Francis at the Vatican in 2017.
Pope Francis "always sided with the most vulnerable and the most fragile", French President Emmanuel Macron said.
"And that he did this with a lot of humility.
"In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile."
Ireland Taoiseach Micheal Martin recalled meeting Francis.
He said he was "impressed by his vision of a Catholic Church that is open, compassionate, and focused on the needs of the most vulnerable".
"He shared with us his deep concern with the issues of social justice and human rights, and his profound commitment to alleviating suffering.
Meanwhile, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz said on X Francis will be remembered "for his tireless commitment to the weakest in society, to justice and reconciliation".
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said the Pope was "in every way, a man of the people", Reuters reported.
"The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognised the burning issues of our day and called attention to them," Schoof said in a statement.
"With his sober way of life, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was a role model for many - Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect."
He "diligently served the poor and downtrodden", according to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as a "great man" and a "great shepherd".
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences, in a message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Reuters reported.
"Throughout the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See," Putin said.
"I mourn the passing of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said.
In a post translated from X/Twitter and reported by ABC Australia, Polish President Andrzej Duda said the Pope was "guided by humility and simplicity".
Bishop Steve Lowe, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, also shared his condolences:
"It is with a heavy heart that we bid God rest to Pope Francis whom whom the Risen Lord gently called from this life a short while ago," he said.
"As Mary Magdalene and the apostles saw the Risen Lord face to face may Pope Francis now see him in His glory.
"Eternal rest grant to him O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace."
Dunedin Diocese Catholic Bishop Michael Dooley told RNZ Pope Francis' death was a shock even though he was ill.
"It's a bit like a member of the family dying."
Dooley said Pope Francis was not afraid to speak up for people in poverty and migrants.
"He was pretty courageous really in standing up and speaking for those people."
Pope Francis backed it up with his actions he said.
Dooley told RNZ he met Pope Francis in 2019 with four other New Zealand bishops.
"He was a very welcoming and warm sort of personality, so he certainly made us feel at ease and was really interested in hearing what was going on."
He said that the Pope's legacy will be making the Catholic Church more reflective on its decision making.
ABC / Reuters / RNZ
