EU leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

Leaders across Europe mourned the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, just a day after appearing briefly during Easter Sunday celebrations in Rome. The first pope from the Americas and a spiritual leader known for championing the poor and marginalized, Francis leaves behind a legacy that resonated far beyond the Catholic Church.

European heads of state and government responded swiftly with heartfelt tributes, acknowledging the pontiff’s global influence on peace, justice, and compassion.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the late pope as a figure who “inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church.”

“Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis. He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate,” von der Leyen said in a statement.
“My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”

French President Emmanuel Macron praised the pope for his unwavering advocacy for the vulnerable, particularly during turbulent times.
“Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis always sided with the most vulnerable and the most fragile, and he did this with a lot of humility,” Macron said. “In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile.”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson reflected on the pope’s moral stature and recalled his historic visit to Sweden.
“With the passing of Pope Francis, nearly one and a half billion Catholics around the world have lost an important leader — both moral and religious,” Kristersson said. “He will be remembered for his humility, his fight against poverty and social injustice, and as a steadfast defender of the dignity of every human being.”
“Many Swedes especially remember Pope Francis’ historic visit to Sweden in 2016, when he took part in the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation,” he added.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof praised Francis for confronting modern challenges with clarity and compassion.
“The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognized the burning issues of our day and called attention to them,” Schoof said. “With his sober way of life, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was a role model for many — Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offered a succinct but poignant tribute:
“I mourn the passing of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace.”

The death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, ends a papacy that began in 2013 and was defined by a reformist spirit and a focus on mercy. His outreach to other faiths, dedication to climate justice, and calls for economic equity earned admiration across ideological and religious lines — as underscored by today’s messages from Europe’s political leadership.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Vatican in the coming days.