Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of more than 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide, passed away Monday in Rome at the age of 88.
His death spurred an outpouring of tributes from global leaders, including notable figures such as former President Barack Obama, Breitbart reported.
Francis’s death has prompted worldwide mourning and tributes, underscoring his impact on people from all walks of life, as the Vatican prepares for a papal conclave to choose his successor.
The Vatican’s announcement of his death sent shockwaves across the globe.
Francis, who was selected to lead the Catholic Church in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, was known for his liberal ideology.
Obama paid tribute to the pontiff on social media, acknowledging his exceptional leadership.
“Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people,” Obama expressed.
Obama, joined by former First Lady Michelle Obama, shared a message of mourning alongside those around the world who found inspiration in the pope’s example.
They reflected on his encouraging words to “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope.”
In addition to Obama, President Donald Trump also shared his condolences in a brief statement, posting:
“Rest in Peace, Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 21, 2025
Such declarations underscore the pope’s widespread appeal and influence across political divides.
Despite ailing health in recent years, Pope Francis persisted in his duties as head of the Catholic Church.
His declining health necessitated that he delegate the celebration of Mass to another cardinal, a sign of his enduring commitment to his congregation even in difficult times.
Just a day before his passing, Pope Francis met with Vice President JD Vance and his family in a hotel room.
With Pope Francis’s passing, the Vatican is poised to initiate the papal conclave.
The centuries-old tradition is the process for the election of his successor.
This assembly of 137 cardinal electors will convene inside the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, surrounded by Michelangelo’s masterpieces.
The conclave, steeped in history and ceremony, plays a crucial role in determining the future leadership of the Catholic Church.
It provides a chance for the cardinals to reflect on the values and vision that will guide the faith’s future course.
This gathering takes on renewed significance as the world awaits the identity of the next spiritual leader who will steer the church through contemporary challenges and opportunities.
Pope Francis’ passing marks the end of a significant era in the Vatican.
His papacy, initiated in 2013, was characterized by efforts to advance left-wing ideology.
He was often criticized for being too liberal.
So far, it’s unclear who could replace Francis.
If the next pontiff is Italian, Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, is widely considered the frontrunner.
A well-known diplomat and a powerful figure at the Vatican, he was sent across the world to bring the pope’s voice to difficult areas.
He was a close ally to the late pontiff, and his mediation skills and strong personality would make him capable of continuing the liberal agenda started by Pope Francis.
The president of the Episcopal Conference of Italy and Archbishop of Bologna is another likely candidate.
He was the Pope’s special envoy for the war in Ukraine, making trips to Kyiv, Moscow, Beijing, and Washington.
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