'Deeply pained': From PM Modi to Trump, how world leaders mourned Pope Francis' demise

PM Modi offers condolences as Pope Francis passes away at 88

A day after celebrations of Easter Sunday, world mourns as Pope Francis passes away at age of 88 years after prolonged illness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other global leaders across expressed condolences.

PM Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, offering his condolences to the Catholic community worldwide.

Modi posted on his X account, "Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community."

"Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope" he further added in his X post.

"I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development," Modi said.

He also emphasized the Pope's deep affection for India, stating, "His affection for the people of India will always be cherished." Modi concluded by offering his prayers, wishing that Pope Francis’ soul may "find eternal peace in God’s embrace."

Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the pic.twitter.com/QKod5yTXrB
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2025

World leaders from around the globe have also paid their respects to Pope Francis. Let’s take a closer look at their tributes.

United States 

US President Donald Trump has paid tribute to Pope Francis following the Pontiff’s passing at the age of 88.

“Rest in Peace, Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.

US Vice President JD Vance said Monday his "heart goes out" to Christians after the death aged 88 of Pope Francis, a day after he met the pontiff at the Vatican.

"I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill," Catholic convert Vance wrote on X during a visit to India.

Italy 

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said "a great man has left us" after Pope Francis died on Monday.

"Pope Francis has returned to the father's home. It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us," Meloni said in a statement.

European Union 

Pope Francis, who died Monday, "inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate", Eureopean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

"My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss," she wrote on X, adding she hopes his "legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world."

France 

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday paid homage to Pope Francis, saying he had always been "on the side of the most vulnerable and the most fragile" and fought for "more justice".

Speaking during a trip to the Pacific region, Macron expressed his "most sincere condolences to Catholics the world over" after the death of Francis who, he said, had stood for a "brotherly humankind".

Spain 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday hailed Pope Francis's "commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable" after his death at the age of 88.

"I am sorry to hear of the death of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace," the Socialist leader wrote on X.

Spain's King Felipe VI hailed Pope Francis for his "conviction of the need to bring encouragement and solace to the poorest" after the Argentine pontiff died on Monday aged 88.

"His conviction of the need to bring encouragement and solace to the poorest and neediest will always continue to inspire us," Felipe wrote in a telegram to the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re.

Germany 

Germany's incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday expressed "great sorrow" at Pope Francis's death, describing him as a man "guided by humility and faith".

The pope "will remain in our memories for his indefatigable commitment" to "the most vulnerable, for justice and for reconciliation," he said.

Ireland 

Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin hailed Pope Francis's solidarity with the "poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed" after the pope died on Monday.

"Pope Francis' long and distinguished papacy was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace and human dignity" said Martin, adding that he would be remembered for his "expression of pain and shame" about historic child abuses in the Catholic Church during his 2018 visit to Ireland.

Israel

“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 said of Francis. “I truly hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages (in Gaza) will soon be answered.”

Poland 

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Monday paid tribute to Pope Francis, calling the late pontiff a "good, warm and sensitive man".

"Pope Francis has died. A good, warm and sensitive man. May he rest in peace," Tusk wrote on X.

Brazil

Brazil's leftist president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, hailed the late Pope Francis on Monday for his work on climate change and social justice.

"With his simplicity, his courage and empathy, Francis brought the topic of climate change to the Vatican," Lula said. "The pope vigorously criticized the economic models that have brought so much injustice to humanity."

Mexico 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday called the passing of Pope Francis a "great loss," saying it was a "great honor and privilege" to have known him.

"A humanist who opted for the poor, peace and equality. He leaves a great legacy of true love for his neighbor. For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, it is a great loss," Sheinbaum wrote on X.