Pope Francis has died: the world mourns a reformer

Pope Francis has died: the world mourns a reformer

Vienna, Österreich - Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. This sad news was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the papal treasurer. Death was announced in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, where Cardinal State Secretary Pietro Parolin, the deputy substitute Edgar Pena Parra and master of ceremonies Bishop Diego Ravelli were also present. Francis was 88 years old.

The death of the Pope immediately triggered grief and dismay worldwide. The prominent reactions that underline his influence on millions came from various political and religious leaders. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, praised Francis' strong influence, while French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized his commitment to the poorest and peace. Friedrich Merz, designated German Federal Chancellor, expressed dismay about the loss of the Pope and emphasized his commitment to justice and reconciliation.

global reactions

The reactions to the death of Pope Francis are numerous and complex. The Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof described him as the "man of the people" and thanked for his attention to social problems. The Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog also emphasized that Francis was a man of faith, peace and compassion, who was particularly committed to the poor.

Herbert Kickl, FPÖ federal party chairman, expressed his deep dismay about this message and emphasized the Pope's humanity and commitment. Francis should be considered a voice of reason and conscience in times of crisis. Kickl praised the Pope for his commitment to exclusion, poverty and environmental degradation and praised his courage to also address difficult topics. He expressed his sympathy for the Catholics and confirmed that the legacy of the Pope would live on in the hearts of the believers.

The legacy of Pope Francis

The German Bishops' Conference also reacted with grief to the death of Francis. Bishop Georg Bätzing recognized him as a visionary shepherd and courageous renewer of the church. He noticed that Francis was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American in the Petri chair. His term was characterized by a striving to close to people, especially to the poor and marginalized. With important encyclics such as "Evangelii Gaudium", "Laudato Si’ "and" Fratelli Tutti ", he set signs for a more merciful and open church.

Franziskus repeatedly emphasized that "reality is more important than the idea". This basic conviction was also reflected in its commitment to refugees, social dialogue and interreligious exchange. The death of the Pontifex is seen as a turning point, which underlines the influential time of the Pope and his striving for a church shaped by humanity and compassion. Bätzing expressed his thanks for Franziskus as a philanthropist and fishermen and found that his unconventional style also achieved church -critical voices.