World leaders have continued to extol the virtues of the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88.
US Vice President JD Vance expressed his sorrow, stating his heart goes out to the millions of Christians who loved the Pope, recounting a recent meeting with him at the Vatican.
French President Emmanuel Macron honoured Pope Francis for his dedication to the vulnerable and for his advocacy for justice.
In Paris, the bells of Notre-Dame Cathedral rang out 88 times in tribute to the Pope’s life.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed offered his condolences, paying homage to the Pope’s legacy of compassion and service to humanity, hoping it would inspire future generations.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez acknowledged the Pope’s legacy of peace and social justice, while Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reflected on the deep sadness felt at the loss of such a great figure.
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Germany’s incoming Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, spoke of his grief, honouring the Pope’s humility and relentless commitment to justice and reconciliation.
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin recognised the Pope’s solidarity with the marginalized and his brave acknowledgment of past abuses in the Catholic Church.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the Pope as a man of profound faith and compassion, emphasizing his commitment to nurturing relationships with the Jewish community and promoting interfaith dialogue.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi described the Pope as a beacon of compassion and cited the inspiration he felt from their meetings, highlighting the Pope’s service to the poor.
Iran extended condolences, with foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei expressing sympathy for Christians globally, highlighting the Vatican’s close ties with the predominantly Muslim nation.
