-
'A man of humility' – New Zealand PM tribute
New Zealand prime minister, Christopher Luxon, posted on X:
"I am saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. A man of humility, his legacy includes an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, to social justice and to interfaith dialogue.
"My thoughts are with Catholics and all those in New Zealand and around the world who mourn his death."
-
'A man of deep faith'
Pope Francis was a man of deep faith, peace and compassion who fostered ties with the Jewish world, Israel's President Isaac Herzog said on Monday, in a condolence message to the Christian world and its communities in the Holy Land.
"A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world," Herzog said of Francis.
"I truly hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages (in Gaza) will soon be answered," Herzog said on X.
-
Pope's Easter Sunday
Pope Francis appeared at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
The Pope, 88, came out in a wheelchair and waved from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica saying to the crowds: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”
However, his Easter address was delivered by a clergy member.
The Pope was then driven around the square.
Last month, Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital after five weeks of treatment for double pneumonia.
-
'Tireless advocate for peace' – Swiss president
Swiss president Karin Keller-Sutter says Pope Francis was "a great spiritual leader, a tireless advocate for peace. His legacy will remain."
-
Vatican News posts a statement on X:
At 9.45 AM on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the 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."
-
Tributes for Pope
The leader of the Roman Catholic church had been hospitalised on Friday 14 February for tests and treatment for bronchitis at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic.
Pope Francis marked Easter Sunday by blessing thousands of people who had gathered for mass in St Peter’s Square and then embarking on a surprise popemobile tour around the piazza on Sunday.
The 88-year-old pontiff did not celebrate mass in the square, delegating the service instead to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St Peter’s Basilica.