‘A beacon of compassion and courage’: World leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

World leaders remembered Pope Francis as “a beacon of compassion”, as his death prompted a global outpouring of grief. Here are some reactions to the death of the 88-year-old pontiff:

- 

Donald Trump

“Rest in Peace, Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him,” US President Donald Trump, who clashed with the Argentine pontiff on a number of issues, wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Francis “prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians”. “We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians,” Zelensky wrote on social media.

Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Francis was a “wise” religious leader, a “statesman” and a “consistent defender of the high values of humanism,” who “promoted dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches”.

Joe Biden

Former US president Joe Biden said Francis was “unlike any who came before him”, hailing his record of fighting for peace and equity.