Pope Francis, the Priest who Preached like a Prophet was the first Latin American pontiff known globally for his humility, compassion for the poor, and climate advocacy, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. 
His death at his Vatican residence sparked worldwide condolences from political leaders, church authorities, and prominent figures. The Pope had recently been discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital after five weeks of treatment for an infection causing double pneumonia.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became a Catholic priest in 1969. Following Pope Benedict XVI's resignation in 2013, Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, adopting the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.
A nine-day official mourning period will be observed, after which the Cardinals will convene in conclave to elect a new pope. On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis had delivered his final Urbi et Orbi message from St Peter's Basilica, advocating for global peace, disarmament, and the release of prisoners.
Pope Francis was the first pontiff from the Jesuit Order and the first non-European pope since the 8th century. Among the 135 cardinals eligible for the conclave, four hail from India: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Cardinal Anthony Poola, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad.
US President Donald Trump expressed condolences on Truth Social, saying, "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute via X, saying, "From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and the grieving world."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his grief on X, recalling Pope Francis's compassion and affection for India. "Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden," Modi said.
US Vice President JD Vance, who was the last foreign leader to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican, expressed sorrow on X, recalling their recent encounter and a memorable homily Pope Francis delivered during the early days of COVID-19.
The White House also mourned Pope Francis, posting on X, "Rest in Peace, Pope Francis."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese honoured his legacy and said on Pope Francis’s funeral which was on April 26: "Pope Francis' compassion embraced all humanity. His loss has been mourned worldwide, just as his life has been celebrated. We will remember him as someone who dedicated his life and papacy to the poor and the powerless. May this man of peace be granted everlasting peace."
Pope Francis’s enduring legacy as a global advocate for the vulnerable will continue to inspire millions around the world.

(ANI)