Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, calling him “a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage.”
In a heartfelt message shared on X, Modi wrote, "Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community."
He praised Pope Francis’ lifelong dedication to the teachings of Lord Christ.
"Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ."
Modi added that the Pope was committed to helping those in need.
"He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope."
The Prime Minister also recalled his personal meetings with the Pope.
"I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development."
"His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace," he added.
Pope Francis Passes Away at 88
Pope Francis, the first Latin American head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death in a video statement on Monday. He had recently been suffering from double pneumonia.
World leaders and Church officials shared messages of sadness and admiration.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said "a great man has left us".
"Pope Francis has returned to the Father's home. It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us," Meloni said in a statement.
Germany’s Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz wrote on X, "He was guided by humility and faith in God's mercy."
He added that Pope Francis would be remembered for his tireless efforts to support the weakest members of society.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also paid tribute, "A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world."
"I truly hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages (in Gaza) will soon be answered."
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said, "Oh my God. I am so shocked by this."
He called on churches to pray for the Pope.
"Let us please ring the bells of our churches and call our people to prayer for the eternal repose of the Holy Father Pope Francis who passed on just about ten minutes ago."
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of love, simplicity, and deep concern for those most in need.
In a heartfelt message shared on X, Modi wrote, "Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community."
He praised Pope Francis’ lifelong dedication to the teachings of Lord Christ.
Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the… pic.twitter.com/QKod5yTXrB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2025
"Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ."
Modi added that the Pope was committed to helping those in need.
"He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope."
The Prime Minister also recalled his personal meetings with the Pope.
"I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development."
"His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace," he added.
Pope Francis Passes Away at 88
Pope Francis, the first Latin American head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death in a video statement on Monday. He had recently been suffering from double pneumonia.
World leaders and Church officials shared messages of sadness and admiration.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said "a great man has left us".
"Pope Francis has returned to the Father's home. It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us," Meloni said in a statement.
Papa Francesco è tornato alla casa del Padre. Una notizia che ci addolora profondamente, perché ci lascia un grande uomo e un grande pastore. Ho avuto il privilegio di godere della sua amicizia, dei suoi consigli e dei suoi insegnamenti, che non sono mai venuti meno neanche nei… pic.twitter.com/pkRco1tgD3
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) April 21, 2025
Germany’s Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz wrote on X, "He was guided by humility and faith in God's mercy."
He added that Pope Francis would be remembered for his tireless efforts to support the weakest members of society.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also paid tribute, "A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world."
"I truly hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages (in Gaza) will soon be answered."
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said, "Oh my God. I am so shocked by this."
He called on churches to pray for the Pope.
"Let us please ring the bells of our churches and call our people to prayer for the eternal repose of the Holy Father Pope Francis who passed on just about ten minutes ago."
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of love, simplicity, and deep concern for those most in need.
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