'Pope Francis will be remembered as beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage'; leaders express condolences

NEW DELHI: Leaders across the world expressed their condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. Taking to his X handle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. He also conveyed his condolences and stated that he stands with the global Catholic community in mourning.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Pope Francis was a model personality who dedicated both his personal and priestly life to spreading the great messages of humanity and world peace. “He stood in solidarity with the pain and endurance of the Palestinian people, and consistently supported oppressed and marginalised communities around the world,” the Chief Minister noted. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the grieving global population and, in particular, to the Catholic faithful.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance also paid tribute to the Pope’s passing. “My thoughts are with the millions of Christian faithful who loved him. Though he was frail, I was grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him. The inspiring example he set during the early days of the COVID pandemic will always be remembered,” Vance posted on X. He was the last world leader to have met with Pope Francis.

Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V.D. Satheesan, also offered his condolences. “Pope Francis, the eternal light for believers, has now entered eternity,” he wrote on Facebook.