Pope Francis died Monday, the Vatican announced, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.

Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.

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Ireland’s foreign minister, Simon Harris, expressed hope that Pope Francis’ teachings will continue to inspire the world, saying the late pontiff’s commitment to justice, peace and human dignity touched millions of people around the globe.

Francis’ advocacy for the poor, calls for improved interfaith relations and focus on protecting the environment made him “a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless,” Harris said in a statement.

“Pope Francis bore his illness with great dignity and courage,” Harris said. “As so many people in Ireland and as Christians across the world mourn his loss, we find strength in his message of hope, mercy, and compassion, which will continue to inspire us to build a better world for all.”

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said the news of Francis’ death “deeply saddens us, as we are saying goodbye to a great man and a great shepherd. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his counsel and his teachings, which never failed me, not even in times of trial and suffering.’‘

She added that “his teaching and legacy will not be lost. We bid farewell to the Holy Father with hearts full of sorrow, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.’’

French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country is largely Catholic, shared his condolences in a post on X.

“From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. For it to unite humans among themselves, and with nature. May this hope forever outlast him.”

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof paid tribute to Francis, saying the pope “was in every way a man of the people.

“The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognized the burning issues of our day and called attention to them. With his sober way of life, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was a role model for many – Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect,” Schoof wrote on X.

Israel’s mostly ceremonial president offered condolences to Christians after the death of Pope Francis, calling him a man of “deep faith and boundless compassion.”

In a post on X, Isaac Herzog said the pope had fostered strong ties with Jews and advanced interfaith dialogue.

“I truly hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages will soon be answered,” he wrote, referring to the pope’s repeated calls for an end to the war and the release of captives held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Francis had repeatedly criticized Israel’s wartime conduct and said allegations of genocide, which Israel has adamantly denied, should be investigated.

Ursula von der Leyen, a top European Union leader, remembered Francis as an inspiration for the entire world, not just Christians.

“Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis,” von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, wrote on X.

“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’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”

Francis made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, a day before his death when he emerged to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise popemobile romp through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause. Beforehand, he met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

He performed the blessing from the same loggia where he was introduced to the world on March 13, 2013 as the 266th pope.

Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced that Francis died at 7:35 a.m. Monday (05:35 GMT).

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Farrell said in the announcement.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.″