The leader of the Catholic Church is remembered for his work for peace and for the poor.

On Monday, the death of Pope Francis sparked a backlash among world leaders, who hailed his virtues as leader of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Vatican City.

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Pope Francis Dies at 88

BELGIUM

“For Christian communities and beyond, he was able to embody a broad hope for modernity and inspire their paths of life,” said Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot.

“Despite the fundamental differences that may have remained, depending on individual sensibilities, let us recognize that Pope Francis was a reformer of Church governance, constantly concerned with issues of social and climate justice, an inspiring pastor for many, and consistently on the side of the weakest,” he added.

The Belgian Foreign Minister emphasized that Francis “was right” in his calls “to value the ideals of peace that are the foundation of Europe and the hope they inspire.”

Prime Minister Bart de Wever shared on social media the Latin expression “Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Pax et Bonum” (“Grant him, O Lord, eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Peace and Good”).

The royal family also said they shared “the mourning of all Catholics around the world and of all those who loved and appreciated him.”

“We express our gratitude for the honor he has done us by visiting our country,” King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians said on social media. The Royal Family described Pope Francis as “a great man, close to the most humble and concerned about the world’s problems.”

LUXEMBOURG

Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden mourned the passing of the religious leader, whom he described as “a recognized global moral authority.”

“It was an immense honor to receive Pope Francis in Luxembourg in September. As I said on that occasion, religions are part of society and must, in a spirit of mutual respect, contribute to enriching our debates on ethical, social, and environmental issues. The Pope contributed enormously to these goals,” Frieden said, stressing that societies “cannot survive without values ​​and principles.”

SOUTH KOREA

Kwon Young-se, interim leader of the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP), said Pope Francis stood out for his “exemplary actions to promote world peace and his constant attention to the most vulnerable.”

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik expressed his “deep sorrow at the passing” of Pope Francis, “a friend of the poor and a comfort to the marginalized,” in a message posted on Facebook, in which he also thanked the pontiff for his efforts to foster peace on the Korean Peninsula.

SPAIN

The Spanish government declared three days of mourning for the death of Pope Francis, whom the Executive described as “a good man” with whom the Church has begun a path that must continue.

“We mourn the death of a good man and a great pope,” said the Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Parliamentary Relations, Felix Bolaños, who emphasized that Francis’ papacy represented a renewed and reformist impulse for the Catholic Church that will leave a legacy for history.

Bolaños pointed out that Francis linked human dignity with the fight against inequality, authoritarianism, and environmental protection. He also asserted that Pope Francis actively defended human rights and always showed concern for the victims of the conflict in Palestine.

TÜRKIYE

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his condolences for the death of Pope Francis, praising his initiatives in the face of “humanitarian tragedies,” including the genocide in Gaza.

“On my behalf and on behalf of my nation, I extend my condolences to the family of the deceased, the Vatican State, and the Catholic world, and I wish them strength in this time of loss,” he said, adding that Francis was a “respected statesman” and a spiritual leader who attached great importance to dialogue between different faiths.

Erdogan also praised the Pope for “taking the initiative in the face of humanitarian tragedies, particularly the Palestinian issue and the genocide in Gaza.”

UNITED STATES

On Monday, the White House paid tribute to Pope Francis by sharing two photographs of U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife with the Pontiff on social media.

The message also includes a photograph taken on Easter Sunday of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance meeting with the leader of the Catholic Church, with the words: “Rest in peace, Pope Francis.” This is the first official reaction from the U.S. government following the Pope’s death this morning at the age of 88.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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