Tributes Flood In for Pope Francis, 88, After Death

Pope Francis, who died at age 88, is being mourned worldwide for his legacy as a compassionate and reform-minded leader of the Catholic Church. President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine's religious leaders honored him as a key global religious figure, thanking him for advocating peace and unity during the Russia-Ukraine war, though some of his statements drew criticism in Ukraine. Catholics in China and Hong Kong are holding prayers and tributes, highlighting Francis' efforts to improve relations with China and his commitment to inter-religious dialogue and structural reforms within the Church. In the U.S., Boston's archbishop praised the depth of Francis' legacy, noting his embrace of marginalized communities and his progressive reforms, while also acknowledging the controversies he faced, such as his handling of clergy abuse cases and tensions with conservative factions. Both Catholic and Anglican leaders in Hong Kong remembered him as an inspirational and ecumenical figure who kept the region in his prayers. Following his final public blessing on Easter Sunday, the Vatican has begun a period of mourning, culminating in a funeral and the election of a new pope.