Barack Obama, Eva Longoria and Extra React

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His whole life was devoted to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Ferrell mentioned in a press release on Monday.

Studies started to floor on the finish of February that Francis — the 266th pope within the Catholic Church’s historical past — was close to demise after he was hospitalized with double pneumonia earlier within the month. He was additionally being handled for bronchitis on the time.

Whereas he addressed the world over Easter weekend and even did one last experience to greet those that got here to the Vatican to have fun Sunday, Francis finally succumbed to his diseases.

Francis, who assumed the position in 2013, was the primary Latin American pope and the primary Jesuit to be elected to the papacy.

Following information of his demise, many took to social media to mourn the pontiff, together with former president Barack Obama and Vice President J.D. Vance, who was one of many final individuals to see the Pope alive.

“Pope Francis was the uncommon chief who made us wish to be higher individuals. In his humility and his gestures directly easy and profound — embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the toes of younger prisoners — he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we’re all certain by ethical obligations to God and each other,” Obama wrote alongside a photograph of the pope visiting him within the White Home throughout his two phrases as president.

“At this time, Michelle and I mourn with everybody world wide – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew power and inspiration from the Pope’s instance. Might we proceed to heed his name to ‘by no means stay on the sidelines of this march of dwelling hope.”

Vance, whose go to garnered plenty of criticism, wrote on X, “I simply discovered of the passing of Pope Francis. My coronary heart goes out to the tens of millions of Christians all around the world who beloved him.”

“I used to be completely satisfied to see him yesterday, although he was clearly very sick. However I will all the time keep in mind him for the beneath homily he gave within the very early days of COVID. It was actually fairly lovely,” he continued, sharing a hyperlink to considered one of Francis’ many messages. “Might God relaxation his soul.”

President Donald Trump additionally weighed in, first saying “relaxation in peace,” earlier than releasing a prolonged assertion on Reality Social wherein he mentioned he was ordering the flag of america to be flown at half employees right this moment in honor of the pope’s passing.

As a mark of respect for the reminiscence of His Holiness Pope Francis, by the authority vested in me as President of america by the Structure and the legal guidelines of america of America, I hereby order that the flag of america shall be flown at half-staff on the White Home and upon all public buildings and grounds, in any respect army posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Authorities within the District of Columbia and all through america and its Territories and possessions till sundown, on the day of interment. I additionally direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for a similar size of time in any respect United States embassies, legations, consular workplaces, and different amenities overseas, together with all army amenities and naval vessels and stations.

King Charles III shared a press release as nicely, noting that his coronary heart is heavy to be taught of the pope’s passing.

“My spouse and I have been most deeply saddened to be taught of the demise of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been considerably eased, nonetheless, to know that His Holiness was in a position to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion all through his life and ministry,” the British monarch mentioned in a press release.

“His Holiness might be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless dedication to the widespread causes of all individuals of religion, and to these of goodwill who work for the advantage of others. His perception that look after Creation is an existential expression of religion in God resounded with so many the world over. By way of his work and look after each individuals and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,” the assertion continued.

The king concluded, “The Queen and I keep in mind with explicit affection our conferences with His Holiness over time and we have been tremendously moved to have been in a position to go to him earlier within the month. We ship our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the numerous individuals world wide who, impressed by his life, might be mourning the devastating lack of this devoted follower of Jesus Christ.”

Celebrities additionally reacted to the information of the pope’s demise. Determined Housewives alum Eva Longoria re-posted information of the pope’s demise with a praying fingers emoji earlier than taking to her feed to share a picture of her assembly the pope alongside husband, José Bastón.

“Relaxation in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thanks for being an ally to many people and talking up for the marginalized. Your compassion, kindness and humility will all the time be remembered 🤍🕊️,” Longoria captioned the submit.

Antonio Banderas advised his Instagram followers, “Pope Francisco has died — a person who, on the head of the Catholic Church, confirmed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest individuals.”

In a press release to Selection, legendary director Martin Scorsese honored the late pope with a touching tribute, referring to their mutual appreciation for artwork and reflecting on their conferences over the course of his profession.

“There may be a lot that may be mentioned in regards to the significance of Pope Francis and all the pieces he meant to the world, to the church, to the papacy. I’ll depart that to others,” Scorsese advised the outlet. “He was, in each manner, a outstanding human being. He acknowledged his personal failings. He radiated knowledge. He radiated goodness. He had an ironclad dedication to the nice. He knew in his soul that ignorance was a horrible plague on humanity. So he by no means stopped studying. And he by no means stopped enlightening. And, he embraced, preached and practiced forgiveness. Common and fixed forgiveness.”

He continued, “The loss for me runs deep — I used to be fortunate sufficient to know him, and I’ll miss his presence and his heat. The loss for the world is immense. However he left a lightweight behind, and it could possibly by no means be extinguished.”

See extra reactions to the pope’s demise beneath: