Leaders in Europe have been paying tribute to Pope Francis.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the news of Francis’s death “deeply saddens us, as we are saying goodbye to a great man and a great shepherd”.
She said: “I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his counsel and his teachings, which never failed me, not even in times of trial and suffering.”
Ms Meloni added that “his teaching and legacy will not be lost”, continuing: “We bid farewell to the Holy Father with hearts full of sorrow, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.”
French President Emmanuel Macron shared his condolences in a post on X. He wrote: “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.”
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, remembered Francis as an inspiration for the entire world, not just Christians.
She posted on X: “Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis. He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.
“My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’s legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”
