Western leaders expressed condolences over the death of the Pope

Western leaders expressed their condolences over the death of Pope Francis, which was announced by the Vatican on Monday, April 21.

"Pope Francis left for his father's House today. In his pastoral ministry, he was guided by humility and modesty <...> He was a great apostle of mercy, in whom he saw the answer to the challenges of the modern world," Polish President Andrzej Duda wrote on the social network X (ex. Twitter).

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also expressed his condolences on the social network X. He said that the pontiff was a kind, warm and sensitive person.

US Vice President Jay Dee Vance, who met with Francis the day before, wrote that "I was glad to see him yesterday, although it was obvious that he was very ill."

"Throughout his pontificate, he was on the side of the most vulnerable, the most fragile, with great humility and a special feeling towards others, the most vulnerable. In this, he was faithful to the tradition that was dear to him," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on his Facebook page.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala also expressed his condolences over the death of the pontiff and noted that he always cared about those who were subjected to unfair treatment.

"The Pope has a very warm attitude towards Russia"

Artist Nikas Safronov - about the audience with Francis I, the future exhibition in the Vatican and the paintings of itinerant artists in the pontiff's chambers

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on his page on the social network X that the Pope's commitment to peace leaves a deep legacy.

"The world has lost an outstanding man who was the highest moral authority," Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said on Facebook (owned by Meta, a company whose activities are recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation).

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schof emphasized on his Facebook page that Francis was a man of the people, he understood the acute problems of the present and was a model for many.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU), noted that the Pope will be remembered for his tireless dedication to the most vulnerable members of society, justice and reconciliation. The acting head of the Bundestag, Olaf Scholz, also expressed his condolences to the faithful around the world in connection with the death of the pontiff.

"Pope Francis led with love, supported the vulnerable and called for unity in an era of separation. May his legacy live on and lead us to a better world," Moldovan President Maia Sandu wrote on the social network X.

Saint from the slums: Pope Francis has died

The first pontiff of South American origin traveled to his parish by subway

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram to His Eminence Camerlengo of the Roman Catholic Church Kevin Joseph Farrell with condolences on the occasion of the death of the pontiff.

The death of Pope Francis at the age of 89 became known on April 21. It is noted that the pontiff died at his residence in the Vatican house of Santa Marta.

The last time the pope appeared in public was on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica during Easter celebrations the day before. The pontiff has been struggling with bilateral pneumonia for a long time.