It was a somber Easter Monday like no other. Just as Catholics around the globe celebrated the resurrection, they were met with heartbreaking news—Pope Francis had passed away at the age of 88.
His death, confirmed by the Vatican, sparked an outpouring of love, gratitude, and remembrance from public figures, royalty, celebrities, and faith leaders alike.
From heartfelt Instagram posts to deeply personal tributes, it’s clear that Pope Francis touched lives far beyond the walls of the Vatican.
His warmth, humility, and unwavering dedication to compassion earned him a unique place in the hearts of many—religious or not.
Celebrities Reflect on a Life of Kindness and Compassion
Spanish actor Antonio Banderas was among the first to share his condolences.
Although Banderas once described himself as agnostic, he has long felt a spiritual connection to Catholic values.
He posted a photo from a 2016 meeting with Pope Francis, remembering him as “a man who showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest.”
Actress Eva Longoria also remembered her meeting with the Pope by sharing an image and a simple praying hands emoji—a quiet, heartfelt tribute.
Fashion activist Livia Firth didn’t hold back her admiration.
She praised Pope Francis as “a giant of a man—for love, for justice, for peace.” She spoke fondly of his humanity and highlighted his moving work in Laudato Si, his letter on environmental care.
Even boxer Frank Bruno, who said he wasn’t very religious, felt compelled to pay his respects.
“Morning for those not heard His Holiness the Pope has passed away,” he wrote. “May he rest in peace.”
From Reverends to Royals: A Shared Sense of Loss
Reverend Richard Coles of the Church of England echoed a powerful prayer, tweeting a poetic blessing for Pope Francis and calling him “a sinner of your own redeeming.”
His words struck a universal chord with those grieving across denominations.
Meanwhile, King Charles released a deeply personal message. He recalled how he and Queen Camilla were “greatly moved” to have met the Pope earlier this month during a royal visit to Rome.
He described Pope Francis as a man remembered for “his compassion, concern for Church unity, and tireless commitment to common causes.”
The King highlighted the Pope’s advocacy for environmental stewardship, saying his belief in caring for creation as an expression of faith “resounded with so many.”
He ended by offering heartfelt condolences to the global Church and all those mourning the passing of such a devoted follower of Christ.
A Final Easter Blessing Before the End
Just a day before his passing, Pope Francis had appeared before thousands in St. Peter’s Square.
Despite having recently been discharged from the hospital after suffering double pneumonia, he waved to crowds, gave blessings, and delivered his traditional Urbi et Orbi message.
He even made time for a short, private meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday.
It had seemed he was on the road to recovery, but early Monday morning, the Vatican’s Cardinal Kevin Ferrell confirmed his peaceful passing at 7:35am local time.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus,” Ferrell said, “we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God.”
Farewell to a Beloved Pontiff
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica as the Catholic world enters an official mourning period.
In a break from tradition, he will not be buried in the Vatican but rather at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of his favorite churches in Rome.
The Conclave—the secretive gathering where cardinals will vote to choose a new Pope—will not be held for at least 15 days.
In the meantime, tributes continue to flood in. Whether it’s from A-list actors, global leaders, or everyday believers, one thing is clear: Pope Francis didn’t just lead the Catholic Church—he led with heart, and the world felt it.