Politicians around the world bid farewell to the Pope: Guided by modesty, he always supported most vulnerable

Italian Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani expressed his sadness and said that Pope Francis has "returned to the Father's house".

"Pope Francis has returned to the Father's house. He cared for all living beings, showed mercy and brotherhood: he was a great pontiff. A friend of Italy. We pray for him and for the future of the entire Catholic Church," Tajani wrote on the X network.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated on the same social network that today the world "mourns the passing of Pope Francis".

"With his humility and pure love for the less fortunate, he inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church. My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis' legacy will continue to guide us all towards a more just, peaceful and compassionate world," she stated.

French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed deep respect for the pope, noting that during his pontificate he was always with the most vulnerable and weak members of society.

"In a time of war and brutality, he had a feeling for others, for the weakest," Macron said, adding that Pope Francis, from Buenos Aires to Rome, wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest, Reuters reported.

The likely future chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, said that Pope Francis will be remembered for his tireless advocacy for the most vulnerable members of society.

"He was driven by modesty and faith in God's mercy," Merz wrote on X.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof described Pope Francis as a "man of the people", who with his sober way of life, acts of service and compassion became a role model for many, Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

"The bright Catholic community says goodbye to a leader who recognized the burning issues of our day and called attention to them," said Schoof.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also sent a message of condolence, emphasizing the deep faith and compassion of Pope Francis.

"He dedicated his life to helping the poor and calling for peace in a world in conflict. I hope 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.

The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, also spoke on the X social network about the death of Pope Francis.

"I was privileged to benefit from his friendship, his advice and his teachings that never failed even in moments of trial and suffering," Meloni said in a statement from her office.

European Council President Antonio Costa joined millions of people around the world mourning the death of Pope Francis, whom he described as deeply compassionate.

"He was deeply compassionate. He cared about the great global challenges of our time —migration, climate change, inequalities, peace — as well as the everyday struggles of the one and all," Costa emphasized on X.

He added that Pope Francis, in his message on the occasion of the World Day of Peace, proposed three actions in order to bring about "an enduring change" - the forgiveness of international debt, the abolition of the death penalty, and the reallocation of military funds towards ending hunger.

"May his ideas continue to guide us towards a future of hope. Requiescat in pace," said Costa.

The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, sent her condolences to all the Catholic faithful in the world, stating that she learned about the passing of Pope Francis with great sadness.

"It is with great sadness that I learned that His Holiness Pope Francis passed away. When we met recently in Rome, I thanked Pope Francis for his strong leadership in protecting the most vulnerable & defending human diginity," Kallas said on X.

On the occasion of the Pope's passing, JD Vance, who officially visited him yesterday, also spoke out, and who emphasized that the Pope was very ill yesterday.

"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", JD Vance said on X.

Earlier today, the Vatican announced in a video announcement that Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88.