杏MAP导航

By Francesca Merlo

The death of 杏MAP导航 Francis has sent waves of sorrow across continents and communities. From heads of state to religious leaders, tributes have been pouring in for the man who walked with the poor, prayed with the suffering, and fought tirelessly for the hope of peace in our fractured world.

Across Africa

Messages came flooding in from the leaders of numerous African countries, a continent to which the 杏MAP导航 made numerous journeys. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed praised the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 鈥渓egacy of compassion and service to humanity.鈥� Nigeria鈥檚 President Tinubu called him a 鈥渧oice for climate action,鈥� while South Africa鈥檚 President Ramaphosa remembered his deep commitment to a better world. All praised his focus on inclusivity and justice.

Peace was a hallmark of Francis鈥� pontificate and he always paid close attention to the numerous conflicts plaguing Africa. Even the day before his death, he had appealed for peace in Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke of 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� historic influence as a voice for peace and human dignity. 鈥淚 join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness 杏MAP导航 Francis, a messenger of hope, humility and humanity,鈥� he said in a statement.

From Europe

In Europe, tributes came from all corners. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called him 鈥渁n inspiration to millions, far beyond the Catholic Church鈥�. French President Emmanuel Macron described him as 鈥渁 man of humility, on the side of the most vulnerable and most fragile鈥�. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer noted Francis鈥� 鈥渢ireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all鈥� and praised his courageous leadership through turbulent times. 鈥淗e was a 杏MAP导航 for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten,鈥� Starmer said. King Charles recalled their recent 鈥渕oving and meaningful鈥� meeting. Flags are at half-mast across royal residences.

In Eastern Europe, tributes came from both sides of a divided land. President Putin called him 鈥渁 defender of justice,鈥� while Ukraine鈥檚 President Zelensky remembered him as 鈥渁 source of hope.鈥�

Asia and the Americas

In east-Timor, too the nation鈥檚 flags will be lowered to half-staff for  a week, with a Mass to follow in tribute to the pope鈥檚 life and service. President Jose Ramos-Horta, who welcomed the 杏MAP导航 to the nation in September 2024, described Francis鈥檚 death as a global loss.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te sent his condolences on behalf of the island's people, saying, "we will continue to draw inspiration from his lifelong commitment to peace, global solidarity, and caring for those in need," he wrote in English.

The White House offered a simple message: 鈥淩est in Peace, 杏MAP导航 Francis.鈥�

Argentina鈥檚 President Javier Milei, saddened by the death of the first Argentine 杏MAP导航, praised the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 focus on inter-religious dialogue and encouragement of spirituality amongst the young.

Religious authorities

Religious leaders, too, are mourning the 杏MAP导航. The Moscow Patriarchate acknowledged his role in building East鈥揥est dialoguen and Egypt鈥檚 Coptic Orthodox Church mourned 杏MAP导航 Francis calling him 鈥渁 true example of Christian humility鈥�.

As the world prepares for his funeral, messages continue to arrive - testament to the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 universality. In life, he was a pastor to many. In death, he is mourned as a moral voice for all. 鈥淭he best tribute we can pay to him鈥�, said the Dalai Lama, 鈥渋s to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can鈥�.