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 complete life was devoted to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Ferrell stated in an announcement 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 dying 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 a good time Sunday, Francis finally succumbed to his sicknesses.

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

Following information of his dying, 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 folks to see the Pope alive.

“Pope Francis was the uncommon chief who made us wish to be higher folks. In his humility and his gestures directly easy and profound — embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the ft 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.

“In the present day, Michelle and I mourn with everybody around the globe – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew power and inspiration from the Pope’s instance. Could 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 a number of criticism, wrote on X, “I simply realized of the passing of Pope Francis. My coronary heart goes out to the tens of millions of Christians all around the world who cherished him.”

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

King Charles III shared an announcement as properly, noting that his coronary heart is heavy to be taught of the pope’s passing.

“My spouse and I had been most deeply saddened to be taught of the dying of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been considerably eased, nevertheless, 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 stated in an announcement.

“His Holiness can be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless dedication to the frequent causes of all folks 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 internationally. Via his work and look after each folks and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,” the assertion continued.

The king concluded, “The Queen and I keep in mind with specific affection our conferences with His Holiness through the years and we had been significantly 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 folks around the globe who, impressed by his life, can be mourning the devastating lack of this trustworthy follower of Jesus Christ.”

Celebrities additionally reacted to the information of the pope’s dying. Determined Housewives alum Eva Longoria re-posted information of the pope’s dying with a praying palms 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 informed 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 folks.”

See extra reactions to the pope’s dying under: