“Tributes to Pope Francis Flood in from World Leaders upon His Passing”

Tributes to Pope Francis poured in on Monday, as presidents, prime ministers and other world leaders reacted to the news of his death.

The White House released a brief statement expressing condolences for the passing of Pope Francis. The statement was accompanied by pictures of the pontiff with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

President Trump had a meeting with Pope Francis and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, on May 24, 2017, in Vatican City as confirmed by the U.S. State Department.

Vice President Vance also had the opportunity for a brief encounter with the pope at the Vatican before Pope Francis appeared publicly on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

“My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance said.

Trump took to social media on Monday saying, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

Former President Joe Biden said Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time.

“As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe,” Biden said.

Former President Barack Obama reflected on the death of the pope, saying “may we continue to heed his call to “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also issued a statement remembering Francis for wanting “Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest.”

“From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him,” Macron said in a statement in French. “My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world.”

Britain’s King Charles and his wife, Camilla, were “deeply saddened” to learn of the pope’s death, the monarch said in a statement on Monday, weeks after the pair met with Francis on a state visit to Italy.

“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,” Charles’ Monday statement said in part.

He added, “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.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog hailed the pontiff’s “boundless compassion,” saying he sent his “deepest condolences to the Christian world.

“A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world,” Herzog’s statement read in part.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said Francis’ “contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe”

“Europe mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe,” he said. “‘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.”

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said Francis was “a leader who recognised the burning issues of our day and called attention to them” “and that he was “in every way a man of the people.”

“The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognised the burning issues of our day and called attention to them,” Schoof said. “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.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.