Modi, Putin, Trump, Guterres, and others offer condolences over Pope Francis’ death
Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88. He took the helm of the Catholic Church as the 266th pope in 2013, following the resignation of his predecessor Benedict XVI.
On March 23, Francis was discharged from the hospital, where he had spent nearly 40 days. He had been treated for a complicated form of pneumonia and, as his doctors later reported, came close to death twice.
The pontiff was ordered to have two months of complete rest, but he began briefly leaving his residence in the former Vatican hotel of St. Martha’s to visit St. Peter’s Basilica.
On April 20, the head of the Roman Catholic Church drove Francis in the popemobile through a square full of worshippers who had come out to celebrate Easter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “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.
I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished.
May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his “deepest condolences” over the death of Pope Frances. The Russian leader praised the Pope’s role in actively “sponsoring dialogue” between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as with the Kremlin itself.
Trump released a statement on the pope’s death, hours after the Vatican declared the news. “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!“ he wrote on his social media platform.
Pope Francis, was a messenger of hope, humility and humanity. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres extended his condolences over the death.
He said :”I offer my deepest condolences to Catholics and all those around the world inspired by the extraordinary life and example of Pope Francis,” he said in a statement. “I join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a messenger of hope, humility and humanity.”
The UN chief noted that the pontiff “was a man of faith for all faiths,” working with people of different faiths.
“Through the years, the United Nations was greatly inspired by his commitment to the goals and ideals of our organization,” Guterres emphasized.
“Our divided and discordant world will be a much better place if we follow his example of unity and mutual understanding in our own actions.”
