By Wonderwall.com Editors
2:12am PDT, Apr 22, 2025
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On April 21, Pope Francis
died from heart failure after suffering a stroke that put him in a coma. He was 88.
"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church," Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced, according to the
Associated Press.
As the news sent shockwaves around the world, many of the biggest names in politics, Hollywood, the tech world and beyond took to social media to publicly say goodbye.
Keep reading to see how several public figures are mourning the 266th pope, starting with a former president…
"Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another. Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope's example. May we continue to heed his call to 'never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope,'" former President Barack Obama wrote on X.
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"It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People's Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love." –former President Joe Biden
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"I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to
see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I'll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul." –Vice President J.D. Vance
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"From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him. To all Catholics, to a grieving world, my wife and I send our thoughts." –France's president, Emmanuel Macron
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"Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!" –President Donald Trump
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"Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis's passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church. He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!" –Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky
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"Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people." —
Antonio Banderas
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"It was an honor meeting Pope Francis last summer. I'm glad I made you laugh. Thank you for your encouraging words. Rest in peace." —
Jimmy Fallon
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"As a flawed Catholic, this Pope made me feel there was room for me. I liked him for being humble, caring about the needy and marginalized, being inclusive of those previously shunned, caring about the planet and its resources, having a sense of humor, being the 1st Latin American. Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. Thank you for trying to make the Church and the world a little better." –CNN's Ana Navarro
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"Joining people around the world in mourning Pope Francis today. He lived a life of extraordinary grace and deep compassion. May he rest in peace." –Apple CEO Tim Cook
