Pope Francis will be remembered as a “beauty of compassion, humility and spiritual courage,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, when tribute to the Pope continues.
“Since young age, he devoted himself to realize the ideals of the Lord of Christ. He diligently serves the poor and oppressed,” Modi’s statement was read in part.
He added, “For those who suffer, he triggered a spirit of hope.
President Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, said the Pope had “exemplified the leadership of the servant through humility.”
He added, “We join the Catholic Church and the Global Christian Community in mourning the death of Pope Francis. This is a big loss for Catholics and the Christian world. Pope Francis will be remembered because of the life dedicated to serving God, Church and Humanity.”
A nun prayed in St. Peter’s square after the death of Pope Francis in the Vatican on April 21, 2025. Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025 at the age of 88, the day after making an highly expected appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said in a statement.
Andreas Solaro/AFP Via Getty Images
Prime Minister Keir Starmer from the UK echoed those thoughts, praising “Francis’s tireless efforts to promote a more just world for everyone to leave an eternal heritage.”
“Very sad to hear his death of Pope Francis,” Starmer said in a statement issued by his office. “His tireless efforts to promote a more just world for everyone will leave an eternal heritage. On behalf of people in England, I shared my sincere condolences with the entire Catholic Church.”
Faithfully reacts to the news of Pope Francis in St. Peter in Vatican, Monday, April 21, 2025.
Mauro Scrobognna/AP
And in Germany, the current Chancellor and who entered released the statement.
Olaf Scholz, the current leader, said: “With the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church and the world lost an advocate for weak people, reconciliation and friendly people. I really appreciate his clear view of the challenges we face. Sympathy I go to religious communities throughout the world.”
And Friedrich Merz, the incoming Chancellor, said Francis would be remembered because of “his tireless dedication for the weakest in the community.”
“Pope’s death Francis fulfilled me very sadly. Francis will be remembered because of his tireless dedication to the weakest in the community, for justice and reconciliation,” Merz continued. “Humility and faith in God’s mercy guide him. By doing that, the first Latin American in the holy throne touched people throughout the world and crossing the boundaries of denominations. My mind faithfully throughout the world at these hours, who have lost their Holy Father. May he rest peacefully.”
-BC News’ Somayeh Malekian, Zoe Magee and Dragana Jovanovic