World leaders kept in mind Pope Francis as “a beacon of compassion,” as the fatality on Monday of the leader of the globe’s 1.4 billion Catholics triggered a worldwide profusion of sorrow.
Here are a few of the initial responses to the fatality of the 88-year-old pontiff:
– ‘Prayed for tranquility in Ukraine’:Zelensky –
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Francis “prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians”.
“We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians,” Zelensky composed on social media sites.
-‘Defender of justice’: Putin –
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Francis was a “wise” spiritual leader, a “statesman” and a “consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice,” that “actively promoted dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches”.
– ‘Courageous’: Britain –
“His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated.
King Charles, that is additionally the head of the Church of England, stated he was “deeply saddened” by Francis’s fatality, including: “Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many”.
– Wise regardless of ‘distinctions’: Argentina’s leader –
“In spite of differences that today seem minor, to have known him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me,” Argentine President Javier Milei published on X of his fellow citizen Francis.
– ‘Stood for brotherly the human race’: France –
French President Emmanuel Macron stated the pope had actually constantly been “on the side of the most vulnerable and the most fragile” which he had actually meant “brotherly humankind”.
– ‘A fantastic male has actually left us’: Italy –
“Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s home. It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated.
– ‘A sign of concern’: India –
“Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated.
“I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development.”
– ‘Strong connections’: Israel –
“He rightly saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue as a path toward greater understanding and mutual respect,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated.
– ‘A loyal pal’: Palestinian head of state –
“Today, we lost a faithful friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” Palestinian head of state Mahmud Abbas stated, keeping in mind that the pope “recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican”.
– ‘Profound heritage’: Spain –
“I am sorry to hear of the death 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 stated.
‘Indefatigable dedication’: Germany
Incoming German chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed “great sorrow” and explained Pope Francis as a male “guided by humility and faith”.
He stated the pontiff “will remain in our memories for his indefatigable commitment” to “the most vulnerable, for justice and for reconciliation”.
– ‘Love and concern’: Egypt –
Egyptian President Fattah al-Sisi stated the fatality of Pope Francis “is a profound loss for the entire world, as he was a voice of peace, love and compassion”.
He stated the pope “worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and build bridges of dialogue… and was a champion of the Palestinian cause, defending legitimate rights and calling for an end to conflict”.
– ‘Servant management’: Kenya –
“He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable,” Kenyan President William Ruto stated.
“His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background.”
– ‘Heart open up to all’: Philippines –
“Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and forgotten,” stated Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, calling him a male of “profound faith and humility”.
burs-pbt-sbk/
