Leaders Worldwide Pay Tribute to Pope Francis After His Death

Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 after 12 years as the head of the Catholic Church, is being mourned worldwide for his legacy of compassion and advocacy for the marginalized. Leaders and citizens alike have praised his humility and profound commitment to alleviating suffering, with tributes highlighting his efforts to promote human dignity, global peace, and justice. He was recognized for taking progressive stances on issues such as attitudes toward women and the LGBTQ+ community, and for addressing global challenges like poverty, climate change, and the plight of migrants. Pope Francis's outreach extended to interfaith dialogue and environmental stewardship, urging care for both people and the planet. His papacy was marked by a consistent call for a shared humanity, rooted in spiritual and ethical responsibility. Notably, he was the first pope from outside Europe in over a millennium, and his message resonated across diverse communities.