Pope Francis' Death: 'Beacon of Nederility and Spiritual Courage' - PM Modi, King Charles, other world leaders bring tribute | Today news

The World United in Mourning on Monday, April 21, as the news of the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, broke. The Argentine -born Pope, who is known for his humility, compassion and deep devotion to social justice, breathed his last in the Vatican and left a spiritual legacy that exceeded boundaries, religions and ideologies. Leaders from all over the world expressed their grief, reminded personal memories and reflected on the profound impact of Pope Francis on the world scene. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought a deep tribute and said: “The deep pain through the passing of his holy pope Francis … Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage.” He remembered their meetings well and added: “His love for the people of India will always be cherished.” Pope Francis with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the United Kingdom, King Charles issued an emotional statement: “His holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the church, and for his tireless devotion to the general causes of all people of faith.” He remembered their recent meeting earlier in April and noticed that it brought him and the queen great comfort. His holiness with King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom. French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the church to bring joy and hope to the poorest … May this hope be reborn outside him.” Pope Francis and French President Emmanuel Macron. The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, posted a moving message in Italian and called him “Un Grande Uomo e Un Grande Pastors” (a big man and a big pastor). She remembers his spiritual advice and teachings, saying, “Il Suo Magistero e la sua eredità non Andranno Perduti” (his teaching and legacy will not be lost). Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with Pope Francis from Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, shared his grief: “I mourn the passing of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leave a deep legacy. Rest in peace.” [translated from Spanish] Pope Francis with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof honored the late Pontiff as “one prucicit before Zeer Velen” (an example for many), with an emphasis on his service, humility and relevance, even for non-Catholics. Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela is reminiscent of Pope’s visit to the island and his ‘tireless efforts to peace’, while US Vice President JD Vance, who just met him a day before, wrote: ‘My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.’ The US Vice President JD Vance with Pope Francis, a day before his departure. Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, on behalf of the European Rabbis Conference, expressed “deeply saddened by the passing of his holiness Pope Francis” and remembered their meetings and the Pope’s “tireless efforts to promote peace”. Pope Francis with Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to accept the papacy in 2013. His reign was characterized by a strong emphasis on grace, taking care of the poor, climate justice and interfaith dialogue. Even in his last days, he continued to inspire a message of love and unity. First published: 21 Apr 2025, 07:17 IST