Pope Francis Mourned by Leaders Seeking a Link to His Legacy

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, has died at the age of 88. Francis passed away at7:35 a.m. Monday in Rome, the Vatican said in a statement. He was known for his compassionate views on many issues, including poverty, human suffering and climate change.

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By Donato Paolo Mancini

April 21, 2025 at 1:46 PM UTC

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Global leaders paid tribute and sought to associate themselves with the legacy of the late Pope Francis, highlighting his role in key global conflicts at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.

US Vice President JD Vance, a key ally in Donald Trump’s push to disrupt the global order, mentioned a homily made by the late pope in 2020, when he called on people to keep faith in their leader amid the “storm.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who’s clashed with the more conservative leadership of the church in Madrid, highlighted the pope’s commitment to social justice. The UK’s center-left prime minister, Keir Starmer, said Francis has been a “pope for the poor.”