Pope Francis dies recap: PM’s words of condolence after death of ‘modernist’ Pontiff

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Tributes to Pope Francis immediately flowed from leaders in Europe to the United States and Asia as the world reacted in grief and shock to his passing on Easter Monday.

US Vice-President JD Vance, who was one of the last people to be granted an audience with the Pontiff when they met briefly at the Vatican on Sunday, said his “heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”

The pair exchanged Easter greetings in one of the Vatican’s reception rooms, with the 88-year-old Pope offering Mr Vance, a convert to Catholicism, three chocolate Easter eggs for his three young children.

“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,” said the US Vice President.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen led the outpouring of condolences from Europe, offering her thoughts to “all who feel this profound loss.”

“He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate,” she said.

“May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”

Read what other world leaders had to say, here.

Sam Mostyn, Australia’s Governor-General, has extended her respect to the Catholic community in Australia and around the world after the Pope’s passing.

“As millions of Australian Catholics mourn a spiritual guide, father and friend, we can all reflect on His Holiness’ message of peace; of respect for the rights and dignity of every member of our human family; and care for the Earth, our common home.

“Pope Francis’ visit to our region in September 2024 exemplified his devotion to the global church. In Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore, His Holiness encouraged communities to uphold respectful dialogue, love beyond difference and hope for the future.

“On that Apostolic Journey, the Royal Australian Air Force was honoured to support the travel of His Holiness to remote Papua New Guinea. The members of 37 Squadron, who travelled alongside His Holiness to Vanimo, were proud to witness the Holy Father’s determination to embrace and uplift people around the world.

“Australia shares a longstanding bond of friendship with the Holy See, which has endured for more than 50 years. In that time, we have worked together to uphold and advance our shared interests in the preservation of peace and the alleviation of poverty.

“Today, as Pope Francis is honoured at Masses and in private prayer across Australia and the world, may the memory of His Holiness’ mission of peace, compassion and love bring hope and consolation long into the future.”

King Charles has expressed his ‘deep sadness’ at the passing of Pope Francis.

In a written statement, the King wrote: “My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis.

“Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.

“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.

“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.

“Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.

“The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.

“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”

Read more here.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has described Pope Francis as a “pope of the people” in a touching tribute posted to social media.

“When Jorge Bergoglio was elected Pope, he took his papal name from St Francis of Assisi -as a model of humility, simplicity and love for the poor.

That is how Jorge Bergoglio lived his life - and that his how Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for over a decade.

“To the end, Francis was a pope of the people.”

Mr Minns went on to say that it was through Pope Francis’ example and the quiet passion of his words, that he showed the power of “the great Catholic teachings”.

During his address, Anthony Albanese praised Pope Francis’ close relationship with the region.

“The first pope from the southern hemisphere was close to the people of Australia.

“For Australian Catholics, he was a devoted champion and loving father.

“Pope Francis lived out his faith and vocation, in word and deed. He was truly inspirational.

“In his modest way of life and at his weekly audiences, he demonstrated his commitment to peace, equality and inclusion.

“Pope Francis’ love for humanity was powerful and profound. The memory and example of his compassion will long endure.

“As we mourn his death, we celebrate the gift of his life and presence among us, and we hold onto the resonant truth of Pope Francis’s final Easter homily: The light quietly shines forth, even though we are in darkness. The promise of new life and a world finally set free awaits us and a new beginning, however impossible it might seem, can take us by surprise, for Christ has triumphed over death.

“May God welcome Pope Francis to eternal life.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says “the prayers of more than a billion people from all nations in every walk of life go with Pope Francis to his rest” today.

“Pope Francis’ compassion embraced all humanity, and today he will be mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike,” he said.

“He urged us to remember all we hold in common and he asked the world to hear the cry of the Earth, our common home.”

He says Francis was “very much a modernist” and that his messages had echoed in Australia’s region during his historic visit to Indonesia and East Timor.

At the end of his scripted remarks, Mr Albanese says he has asked for all Australian flags to fly at half-mast tomorrow.

“My sincere condolences to everyone for tonight, it will be a very difficult evening,” he says.

US Vice President J.D. Vance has joined leaders from around the world posting tributes to the late Pomntiff.

Mr Vance was one of the last people to meet with Pope Francis in the days before his death, after travelling to the Vatican to meet senior Catholic Church officials.

Read the story

As the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics mourn the death of their religious leader the Pope, the Vatican will start the process to find Francis’ successor, known as the papal conclave.

A formal gathering of the College of Cardinals is set to be called within weeks, for the official election to get underway.

As part of the conclave — in which only those aged under 80 are entitled to vote — 138 cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City.

The process, steeped in tradition and ceremony, sees the electors sequestered from all outside contact until a new Pope is elected, in order to allow the cardinals to hear the will of God.

A two-third supermajority is required to elect a new pontiff, with ballots held as many as four times a day until the threshold is reached.

Read more here.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has given his condolences to Australians of Catholic and Christian faith after the death of Pope Francis.

In a written statement, he said: “His Holiness, Pop Francis, served God with the utmost devotion throughout his life. He was the first Pope from the Jesuit order and the first Latin American Pope. He lived frugally and simply.

“Above all else he was driven by Christ’s values of mercy and forgiveness. He emphasised those values in his last Chrsitmas address, saying: “God’s mercy can do all thing. It unties every know; it tears down every wall of division; God’s mercy dispels hatred and the spirit of revenge.”

Mr Dutton ended the statement, writing “With God, may Pope Francis rest in peace.”