Tributes roll in for Pope Francis following his death at the age of 88

 “My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis,” King Charles shared in a statement. “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.

“His Holiness 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. 

“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.

“The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month. 

“We end our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”

Following the news of Pope Francis’ death, King Frederik shared a statement reading, “Your Eminence, It is with profound sorrow that the Queen and I have learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.”

“We have fond memories from our meeting with His Holiness in 2018 at the Vatican. We will remember him as a Pope dedicated to promoting peace, justice, and always advocating for people living in vulnerable situations.

“Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences for the Church in this time of loss.”

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio shared an emotional tribute to Pope Francis following his death.

“Pope Francis was a transformational leader — not only for the Catholic Church, but also for environmental reform and activism,” he wrote.

“He demonstrated a deep and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, most notably through his groundbreaking 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’. 

“This powerful document served as a clarion call for a fundamental shift in how we relate to the planet. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life, Pope Francis urged individuals, communities, institutions, and world leaders to unite in caring for our common home. 

“His words helped catalyse momentum ahead of the global 2015 COP21 conference, ultimately contributing to the formation of the Paris Agreement.

“During the filming of my documentary Before the Flood in 2016, I had the honour of sitting down with Pope Francis for a conversation on the urgent need to address climate change. That experience was enlightening, deeply moving and thought provoking.

“In 2023, Pope Francis expanded upon Laudato Si’ with the publication of Laudate Deum: Apostolic Exhortation on the Climate Crisis. In it, he renewed his call for immediate and decisive climate action, reminding us that “we are part of Nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it,” and that we must not view the world from the outside, but from within.

“Pope Francis was one of the most extraordinary spiritual leaders of our time. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of environmentalists around the world. May he rest in peace.”

Whoopi Goldberg recalled the moment she met His Holiness, writing, “He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and none believer. 

“He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances with your love of humanity & Laughter.”

Prince Albert of Monaco shared, “It is with infinite sadness and deep sorrow that we learned of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis on this Easter Monday.

“Particularly moved, my family, myself and the Principality would like to express our deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and all the faithful with whom we share a great sorrow.

“In this time of pain and mourning, we keep in mind and in our hearts the apostolic blessings which the Holy Father lavishly bestowed upon us during his Pontificate and fervently pray for the repose of his soul.

“May his unrelenting message of love, brotherhood, peace, faith, justice, mercy, compassion, and respect for our nature continue to nourish our thoughts and commitments to the service of the common good and radiate upon a world he will leave his mark on. With profound gratitude, we pay tribute to the very great servant of mankind who has just left us.

“We ask Your Eminence Reverendissime to want to believe well in the part that we take, along with all the inhabitants of the Principality, in the mourning of the Church and the Vatican City.”

“Upon receiving, with profound sadness, the news of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, I wish to convey to you, on my behalf, on behalf of the Government, and on behalf of the Spanish people, our deepest condolences,” King Felipe wrote.

“Throughout his pontificate, His Holiness Pope Francis has borne witness to the importance that love of neighbor, fraternity, and social friendship have for the world of our century,” the Spanish king continued. “We will always continue to be inspired by his conviction in the need to bring encouragement and comfort to the poorest and most needy, and by the importance he attached to dialogue and consensus in order to achieve a more just and united world.

“In light of the sorrow caused by his loss, the Queen and the entire Royal Family join me in conveying to the entire Catholic Church our condolences and affection, as well as our prayers for his eternal rest,” he concluded.