Many world leaders immediately sent messages of condolences after the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis.

The bells of Notre Dame Cathedral rang 88 times on April 21 to commemorate the 88th anniversary of Pope Francis’ life.

AFP quoted a statement from the Notre Dame Cathedral press office saying that the 88 bells were followed by a series of bells from the cathedral before the noon mass in honor of the Pope. Another series of bells will be rung later that evening.

In Israel, a Mass for Pope Francis will be celebrated on the morning of April 23 at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, according to an announcement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Patriarch, and members of the local Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

In a message on social network X after the Vatican announced Pope Francis’ death, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the news “causes us great sadness, because we have lost a great man and a great pastor”.

Pope Francis meets US Vice President JD Vance on April 20

PHOTO: REUTERS

“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his valuable lessons – which were never lacking, even in times of trial and suffering… And he once again called on the world to have the courage to change course, to follow a path ‘not to destroy, but to cultivate, to heal, to preserve’. We will walk in that direction – to seek the path of peace , to pursue the common good and to build a more just and equal society. His teachings and his legacy will not be lost,” the Italian Prime Minister wrote.

US Vice President JD Vance expressed his sympathies to the entire Christian community over the passing of Pope Francis. Vance said he was pleased to meet the Pope at the Vatican a day earlier despite the Catholic Church leader being “clearly very weak,” according to Reuters.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof wrote on his personal page shortly after the Vatican announced the sad news of Pope Francis: ” Pope Francis was truly a man of the people. The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognized the urgent issues of our time and spoke out about them. With his simplicity of life, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was an example to many people – Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with all our respect.”

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote: “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. He wanted the Church to connect people to each other and to nature. May that hope always be reborn, beyond his passing. To all Catholics and to the world who are grieving, my wife and I send our deepest condolences and thoughts.”

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife meet Pope Francis. Photo posted by Mr. Macron on April 21

PHOTO: X@EmmanuelMacron ACCOUNT

European Parliament President Roberta Mersola said: “Europe mourns the passing of Pope Francis. His infectious smile captured millions of hearts around the world. The ‘People’s Pope’ will always be remembered for his love of life , his hope for peace, his compassion for equality and social justice. May he rest in peace.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared a photo of herself shaking hands with Pope Francis on her personal page with the message: “Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis. He inspired millions of people, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and his pure love for those less fortunate. My condolences to all who feel this profound loss. May they find comfort in the thought that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to lead us to a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shares photo with Pope Francis

PHOTO: X@vonderleyen ACCOUNT

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his deepest condolences to the Christian world, especially the Christian communities in Israel, on the passing of the great spiritual father, Pope Francis.

“A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he devoted his life to helping the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world. He rightly placed great importance on building strong ties with the Jewish community and promoting interfaith dialogue as a path toward mutual understanding and respect,” Herzog wrote on X.

“I sincerely hope that your prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages will soon be answered. May your memory continue to inspire acts of kindness, solidarity and hope,” the Israeli President said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences over the death of Pope Francis, according to a statement from the Kremlin.

During his years of leadership, Pope Francis actively promoted dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See. President Putin said he had the privilege of communicating with the “brilliant” Pope on many occasions and would always keep the most sincere memories of him.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions around the world.

“He dedicated himself to serving the poor and marginalized. To those who were suffering, he lit a flame of hope. I still vividly remember my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and comprehensive development. His love for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul rest in eternal peace in the loving arms of God,” Modi wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz, who will take office as German chancellor in May, said Pope Francis would be remembered for his tireless dedication to the most vulnerable in society. “He was guided by humility and faith in God’s mercy,” Merz said in a post on X.

Acting Anglican leader Stephen Cottrell has praised the late Pope’s “service to the poor” and Pope Francis’ “desire to lead and build the Church in new ways”, following the death of the Catholic Church leader.

Meanwhile, the Russian Orthodox Patriarch said that Pope Francis has played an important role in actively developing contacts between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, according to TASS.

Earlier, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had just passed away on April 21 at home, shortly after being discharged from the hospital after a period of fighting illness.

“Brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I must announce the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. This morning, at 7:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Lord,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced in a statement posted on the Vatican News channel .