Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at the age of 88 Monday morning, the Vatican said.
The pontiff had suffered a serious challenge of double pneumonia this year, and spent weeks in hospital.
His death ends a turbulent reign marked by tension as he sought to overhaul the conversative institution.
On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis was seen driven around St. Peter’s Square in an open-air popemobile to greet cheering crowds marking the celebration.
The Vatican said he died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God, the statement noted.
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists that the late Pope’s body could be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, to allow the faithful pray before his mortal remains.
Over two billion Catholics and the world would miss the pontiff who charmed the globe with his humble style and deep concern for the poor.
Following the news of his death, several world leaders including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu have extended their heartfelt condolences, reflecting the deep respect and admiration the pontiff commands across nations and faiths.
Iran
Iran offered condolences on Monday following the death of Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, at the age of 88.
“My colleagues have just informed me of the news… I offer my condolences to all Christians around the world,” the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said at a press briefing. Reports indicate that Iran, a Muslim-majority country, maintains close ties with the Vatican.
Israel
Israeli President Isaac Herzog on hisnoart, praised the deceased Pope Francis on Monday, describing the late pontiff as “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion.
“He rightly saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue as a path toward greater understanding and mutual respect,” the president said in a post on X.
United States Of America
United States Vice President JD Vance said his “heart goes out” to Christians after Pope Francis died Monday.
“My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” he posted on X. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.”
JD Vance, a Catholic convert, arrived in New Delhi on Monday after meeting the pontiff in the Vatican. The two leaders had a brief private meeting on Sunday, the Vatican said, on the last day of the Republican’s visit to Rome.
Nigeria
In his tribute, President Tinubu said “Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions. His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.
“His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end. In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.
“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home—this Earth—is a gift we must protect for future generations.
“He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity. In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor.
“He was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions.
“His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant. Through his pastoral letters, the Pope offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world. He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds.
“In my 2025 Easter Message, I joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff. I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change. May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom.
“As we mourn the late Pontiff, let us also celebrate his legacy. Let us honour him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I extend condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful.
“May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest,” the Nigerian leader said.
