Politicians and celebrities have taken him to social media to pay tribute to Pope Francis after learning of his death on Monday at the age of 88.
Vice President JD Vance was one of the first to give his final respect to the Pope on social media. “Vance was the last government official to visit with him, but his heart appears to millions of Christians around the world who love him.”
“He was obviously very ill, but I was happy to see him yesterday,” Vance continued. The White House, President Donald Trump, and former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama also issued statements on social media. Some celebrities did too.
I just learned of Pope Francis passing. My heart is directed at millions of Christians around the world who love him.
He was clearly very sick, but I was happy to see him yesterday. But I always remember him for the sacred people below whom he gave in the very early days…
– jd vance (@jdvance) April 21, 2025
The official White House X account shared images of Trump and Vance with the Pope, with the caption, “Resting in Peace, Francis.”
Trump also added his own personal tribute to the true society.
“Pope Francis rests in peace! May God bless him and all who loved him!” he wrote.
Rest in peace, Pope Francis. ✝✝️ pic.twitter.com/8cgwkannth
– White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2025
Eva Longoria shared an emotional tribute along with a gallery of images capturing her visit with the Pope.
“Live in peace, your sacred Pope Francis. Thank you for speaking to many of us for being on your side and for those who have been alienated. Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered. [white heart emoji][white dove emoji],” Longoria wrote on Instagram.
Russell Crowe, who met Pope Francis in 2014, took him to X to write, “It was a beautiful day, but a faithful day in Rome. Lip Francis.”
It’s a beautiful day in Rome, but sad for the faithful.
RIP Francis. pic.twitter.com/ckewtryyfw– Russell Crowe (@Russellcrowe) April 21, 2025
Barack and former first lady Michelle Obama shared an inspiring note describing the Pope as “an unusual leader who wanted us to be better.” Joe and former first lady Jill Biden paid tribute to him saying he was “one of the most consequential leaders of our time.”
French President Emmanuel Macron and actors Antonio Banderas and Whoopi Goldberg also shared their messages on social media.
Vatican officials confirmed the Pope’s death on Monday. (Related: Pope Francis died in 1988, mourning the Catholic Church, and reflecting on the world assuming the potential successor)
De Buenos Airesà Rome, Le Pape François Voulait Que L’église Appportela Joie et l’Espoir aux Plus Pauvres. It’s a matter of course. The pies are the best place to go.
àtousles catholiques,… pic.twitter.com/ofkbjwaweh
– Emmanuel Macron (@emmanuelmacron) April 21, 2025
The late Pope Francis was hospitalized in February with bronchitis and suffered from double pneumonia and several respiratory complications. He was released from the hospital on March 23rd and congratulated thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. His death was announced the following morning.
