"Unlike any who came before him": World leaders mourn Pope Francis' death

Tributes for Pope Francis

Trump shared a brief statement to Truth Social Monday, saying: "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"

Vice President JD Vance said on X he was "happy to see" Francis during their brief meeting on Easter Sunday, "though he was obviously very ill."

• He added: "I'll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful."

Former President Biden wrote that Francis "was unlike any who came before him."

"He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People's Pope - a light of faith, hope, and love."

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said of Francis in a statement posted on X: "His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was often courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Monday post that Francis "knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity."

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his "most sincere condolences" for Francis' death Monday, adding that "[t]hroughout the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See," Reuters reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron said in posts to his social media accounts:"From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. For it to unite humans among themselves, and with nature. May this hope forever outlast him."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in social media posts "a great man has left us" as she noted she had "the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his counsel and his teachings, which never failed," not even "in times of trial and suffering.''

Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Facebook spoke of his "profound sadness" at the pope's death.

"Pope Francis' long and distinguished papacy was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity. He spoke out for the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed. His solidarity with refugees, his calls for climate action, and his insistence on global peace and equality set him apart as a champion of justice in the modern world."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on X paid tribute to the late pope's compassion and said he "understood the importance of deepening relations with the Jewish world and sought to promote interfaith dialogue," per an automatic translation.

• He hoped that "his prayers for peace in the Middle East will be fulfilled" and all the hostages being held by Hamas will be returned soon, added Herzog in his tribute to Francis, who criticized Israel's attacks on Gaza.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on X noted Francis had "inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate" and said she hoped people "find solace in the idea that Pope Francis' legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X "Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world" as he spoke fondly of his meetings with the late Pontiff and added his "affection for the people of India will always be cherished."

Britain's King Charles, who met with the pope at the Vatican earlier this month, said in a statement posted to social media: "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."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters: "Pope Francis' compassion embraced all humanity, and today he will be mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike."

African Union Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf in a statement paid tribute to "the Pope's courageous engagement with the African continent, amplifying the voices of the voiceless, championing peace and reconciliation, and standing in solidarity with those affected by conflict and poverty."

More from Axios:

• In Photos: Scenes from the life of Pope Francis
• Pope Francis championed historically progressive stances

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.