Patti Smith, King Charles, and J.D. Vance are among those reacting to the death of Pope Francis, who died on Monday at age 88. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced his death in a statement noting that the pope “taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”
Patti Smith, who performed “O Holy Night” at the Vatican’s Christmas concert in 2014, shared a poem on Instagram comparing Pope Francis to a flower.
British monarch King Charles said in a statement that he was “most deeply saddened” to learn of Francis’ death. “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,” King Charles said. The king and his wife Queen Camilla visited the Vatican two weeks ago.
“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,” King Charles continued. “His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.”
British prime minister Kier Starmer added, “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church.”
U.S. vice president J.D. Vance, who briefly met with Francis on Easter Sunday, wrote on X, “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of Covid. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.” The White House added on X, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”
Whoopi Goldberg wrote on Instagram, “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.”
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote, “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. For it to unite humans among themselves, and with nature. May this hope forever outlast him.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted that “this news saddens us deeply.” “I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering,” she wrote on X. “His teaching and his legacy will not be lost. We greet the Holy Father with hearts full of sadness, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.”
Argentinian president Javier Milei remembered Francis, who was from Argentina, on X, saying that “having been able to know him in his kindness and wisdom was a true honor for me.” He added, “As President, as an Argentine, and, fundamentally, as a man of faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father and stand with all of us who are today dealing with this sad news.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Francis for a life “devoted to God, to people, and to the Church.” “He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity,” Zelenskyy said in a statement. “He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support.”
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