"We Have Lost a Great Shepherd"... World Leaders Mourn the Passing of Pope Francis

European and Middle Eastern Leaders Express "Profound Sorrow" and Condolences

On the 21st (local time), world leaders expressed their condolences in unison upon hearing the news of Pope Francis's passing.

Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, a Catholic country, wrote on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on this day, "I mourn the passing of Pope Francis," adding, "His dedication to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable has left a profound legacy."

Pope Francis is waving to the crowd while delivering the Easter message at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on March 31 last year (local time). Photo by Yonhap News

French President Emmanuel Macron stated, "From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest," and added, "I hope this hope will be resurrected forever, beyond him."

Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the incoming Chancellor of Germany, said, "Humility and faith in God's grace guided his life," and added, "He will be remembered for his tireless dedication to the weakest in society, as well as for justice and reconciliation."

Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, also said, "Through his modest way of life, service, and mercy, he became a role model not only for Catholics but also for non-believers," and added, "The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognized and drew attention to the most urgent issues of our time."

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also stated on X, "The Pope inspired countless people beyond the Catholic Church with his humility and pure love for the poor."

She added, "I offer my deepest condolences to all who feel this profound loss," and continued, "I hope they find comfort in the belief that Pope Francis's legacy will serve as a beacon guiding us all toward a more just, peaceful, and compassionate world."

Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, said, "We have lost a great figure and a great shepherd," recalling, "I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, advice, and teachings. His teachings never wavered, even in moments of trial and suffering."

She also said, "He once again called on the world to have the courage to walk the path of nurturing, healing, and protecting, rather than destroying," and added, "We will move in this direction, seek the path of peace, pursue the common good, and build a fairer and more just society."

On September 12 last year (local time), Pope Francis, visiting Singapore, is giving a speech at the National University of Singapore Theatre. Photo by Yonhap News

Even Israel and Iran, long-standing rivals in the Middle East, expressed their condolences.

Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, wrote on X, "He strengthened the world of Judaism and the bonds between us, and advanced interfaith dialogue with greater understanding and mutual respect," adding, "I sincerely hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages in Gaza will soon be answered."

Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said during a regular briefing, "My colleagues have just informed me of the news," and added, "We offer our condolences to all Christians around the world."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, "He served the poor and gave hope to those who were suffering," and added, "Pope Francis will be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage for many people around the world."