Political and religious leaders around the world paid unanimous tribute to Pope Francis after the Vatican's announcement on Monday of the sovereign pontiff's death at the age of 88. 

UN

Pope Francis was "a messenger of hope, humility, and humanity," assured U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement on Monday. "He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and compassion for all, especially those on the margins or trapped in the horrors of war."

U.N. Climate Executive Secretary Simon Stiell paid tribute to an "unwavering champion of climate action" and a "tremendous figure of human dignity," who had "a deep practical understanding of the most complex climate issues" and brought together "the powerful forces of faith and science."

AMERICAS

- U.S.

"Rest in peace, Pope Francis! May God bless him, and all those who loved him," wrote U.S. President Donald Trump in a short message on his Truth Social platform. 

"Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most important leaders of our time," wrote former U.S. President Joe Biden, praising "his fight against poverty."

- Argentina

President Javier Milei, who will declare seven days of national mourning, expressed his "deep sorrow" at the announcement of the Argentine pope's death, praising his "kindness" and "wisdom" despite "minor differences" with him.

- Brazil

Pope Francis carried the cause of climate with "courage and empathy," praised Brazilian President Lula, honoring his fight for "love, tolerance, and solidarity."

- Cuba

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel paid tribute to Pope Francis on Monday, recalling his "warm closeness" with Cubans.

- Mexico

The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, paid homage to a humanist "who chose the poor, peace, and equality."

- Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro praised on Monday the memory of Francis, a "transformative spiritual leader" in the fight against inequality.

EUROPE

- European Union

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Pope Francis "inspired millions of people, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and pure love for the most disadvantaged."

- Russia

President Vladimir Putin praised a "wise leader" and a "steadfast defender of the high values of humanism and justice." He emphasized that the pope "actively contributed to the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, as well as to constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See."

- Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelensky hails a pope who "prayed for peace in Ukraine."

- Italy

The death of Pope Francis "deeply saddens us because a great man has left us," said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday.

- France

President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the one who has always been "on the side of the most vulnerable and fragile," expressing "his sincerest condolences to Catholics around the world."

- Poland

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk hailed "a good, warm, and sensitive man."

- United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the pope's "tireless efforts" for a more just world. King Charles III said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of Pope Francis, who served the world with "devotion all his life."

- Ireland

Prime Minister Micheal Martin described Pope Francis as a "champion of justice in the modern world" and a defender of "the poor" and "the oppressed."

- Spain

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez highlighted his commitment "to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable," and King Felipe VI paid tribute to the "courage" and "comfort" that the pope brought "to the poorest."

- Germany

Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed a "defender of the weakest" and a "man of reconciliation." Pope Francis "will be remembered for his tireless commitment" to "the most vulnerable, for justice and reconciliation," wrote incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

- Hungary

"Thank you for everything" and "goodbye," said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

- Turkey

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised a respected "statesman" who "valued dialogue between different religious groups."

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

- Israel

President Isaac Herzog hailed "a man of deep faith and endless compassion."

- Palestinian Authority

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas paid tribute to "a faithful friend of the Palestinian people."

- Lebanon

Lebanon has lost "a dear friend" and a "fervent supporter," reacted President Joseph Aoun, referring to a "loss for all humanity."

- Iran

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaïl Baghaï offered "condolences to all Christians around the world," adding "to pray to Almighty God for the peace" of Pope Francis.

- Egypt

President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi lamented "a profound loss for the entire world," considering that Francis was "a voice of peace, love, and compassion."

The grand imam of Al-Azhar, the highest institution of Sunni Islam based in Cairo, saluted his commitment to interfaith dialogue, calling him a "symbol of humanity."

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

- DRC

The president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, grappling with conflict in the east, hailed his "unwavering commitment to peace."

- South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa praised his "vision of inclusion, equality, and concern for marginalized individuals and groups, as well as a responsible and sustainable protection of the natural environment."

- Nigeria

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu praised on Monday the "powerful voice" of Pope Francis, "tireless champion of the poor," for his action in favor of climate.

- Kenya

President William Ruto paid tribute to the pope's "unwavering" commitment to "inclusion and justice," noting "a great loss for Catholic faithful."

ASIA

-India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Pope Francis as a "model of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage."

The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, expressed his "sadness" after the pope's death from his place of exile in India, praising his "devotion" and "simplicity."

- Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid tribute to his "steadfast commitment to peace," which he believes leaves an "indelible mark."

- Bangladesh

Provisional government leader Muhammad Yunus mourned a "true friend and soulmate," seeing in Francis a figure of "humility and compassion."