Vatican City (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European leaders have expressed deep sorrow and paid heartfelt tributes following the passing of Pope Francis, remembering him as a compassionate spiritual leader.
Church bells rang throughout Rome as tributes flooded in from global leaders following the Vatican’s announcement on Monday of Pope Francis’ death at the age of 88.
He had been at the helm of the Catholic Church since 2013. Francis last made a public appearance at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, after experiencing a lengthy hospitalization due to a respiratory problem that escalated into double pneumonia.
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said in a message on X that the pope had “inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love.”
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, said she had met the pope recently and noted his “strong leadership in protecting the most vulnerable & defending human dignity.
European Parliament president Roberta Metsola on X sad,
“Europe mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe. The People’s Pope’ will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice. May he rest in peace.”
On Monday, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy led global political leaders in paying tribute to Pope Francis, calling him “a great man and a great pastor.” Many honoured the pope’s dedication to advocating for the poor.
“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering,”
Said Ms. Meloni, who visited Francis while he was hospitalized in February. She said in a post on social media that the pope had called the world to
“seek the path of peace, pursue the common good and build a more just and equitable society. His teaching and his legacy will not be lost.”
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Pope Francis has instilled joy and hope among the world’s poorest communities.
“From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest,”
Mr. Macron said. Francis, the world’s first pope from Latin America, was born in Buenos Aires and was later archbishop there. Mr. Macron said his thoughts were with Catholics around the world who were grieving.
“Francis will be remembered for his tireless commitment to the weakest in society, to justice and reconciliation. Humility and faith in God’s mercy guided him in this,”
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, posted on X in German.
“In doing so, the first Latin American to sit on the Holy See touched people worldwide, across denominational boundaries. My thoughts at this time are with the faithful around the world who have lost their Holy Father.”
