Pope's death: European Union pays tribute to a man "of love for the needy"

EU leaders mourn Pope Francis, praising his compassionate, humble, and progressive legacy as a defender of the poor and suffering.
Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 21, 2025
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’… pic.twitter.com/FiI6SASNl8
On the same social network, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, expressed his desire that the ideas of Pope Francisc continue to "guide us towards a future of hope", despite the international context and numerous conflicts.
"He was full of deep compassion. He cared about the great global challenges of our time - migration, climate change, inequalities, peace - as well as about the daily struggles of each person", said the former Portuguese Prime Minister, who leads the forum representing the 27 EU member states.
Me sumo con tristeza a los millones de personas que lloran la muerte de Su Santidad el Papa Francisco.
— António Costa (@eucopresident) April 21, 2025
Profundamente compasivo, se preocupó por los grandes desafíos mundiales de nuestro tiempo, desde la migración al cambio climático, las desigualdades o la paz, pero también por…
Like world leaders, European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed her deep sorrow at the death of the Argentine-born pontiff. “During our recent meeting in Rome, I thanked Pope Francis for his strong leadership in protecting the most vulnerable and defending human dignity,” she wrote on X.
“His contagious smile captured millions of people's hearts across the globe”, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said.
The Maltese official said the world would remember Pope Francis for “his love of life, hope for peace, compassion for equality and social justice.”
Europe mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) April 21, 2025
His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe.
‘The People’s Pope’ will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice.
May he rest in peace 🇪🇺🇻🇦 pic.twitter.com/LsqYREynVP
Pope Francis passed away on Monday morning, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m., in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. The official announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who conveyed with deep sorrow, "The Holy Father Francis has returned to the House of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of God and his Church."