Following the news of the Pope’s death, announced by Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, tributes have flooded in.
The official said in a statement: “At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.″
Keir Starmer shares tribute to Pope Francis, following death aged 88
Keir Starmer shared an image of his formal statement to X with the caption: “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church.”
Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church. pic.twitter.com/rrmadD29Dr
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 21, 2025
The statement included in the image reads: “I join millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
“His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the Church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.
“Pope Francis was a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world.
Recommended reading:
“That hope was as the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity.
“With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.
“My thoughts are with Catholics across the world, and the Roman Catholic Church. May His Holiness rest in peace.”
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who met the Pope at a G7 summit in June 2024, said the pontiff had “reminded us of the dignity of every person”.
He said: “Pope Francis spoke to the world with moral clarity and humility.
“He reminded us of the dignity of every person – especially the poor and those without a voice.
“My thoughts are with Catholics and all those around the world who drew strength from his leadership.”
