The first Latin American pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has passed away, the Vatican revealed on Monday. His unfortunate passing ends his 12-year reign as the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church for the global Catholic community. As the news of his passing emerged, the World Boxing Council (WBC) president, Mauricio Sulaiman, bid farewell to the 88-year-old with a symbolic gesture.

According to sources, Pope Francis had suffered a serious case of double pneumonia in February this year. Despite that, the news of his passing came as a surprise to most, as he had been driven around St. Peter’s Square to greet the cheering crowd on Easter Sunday. “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said on the Vatican’s TV channel.

“At 7:35 (0535 GMT) this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” It’s worth noting that Sunday was the first time the Pope made a prolonged public appearance since he was discharged from a 38-day hospital stay for pneumonia. On Sunday, Pope Francis reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza, hostage release, and coming to the aid of starving people during his Easter address from the St. Peter’s Basilica balcony.

The news followed shock and grief from tourists and pilgrims visiting Vatican City for Easter. Earlier today, even the WBC president joined millions of others in mourning the sad death of the 266th pontiff. “The WBC declares a week of mourning to honor the loss of Pope Francis,” Mauricio Sulaiman wrote on X while sharing a picture of Pope Francis holding one of their belts. “His actions as the leader of the world and the support to boxing changed many lives, and his blessings had miraculous effects [on] many. May Pope Francis rest in Peace, 1936-2025.” 

The Pontiff was known for his consistent emphasis on social justice, poverty alleviation, and advocacy for marginalized communities throughout his papacy. This resulted in him being often described as a “voice of the poor.” So, as you can imagine, the WBC wasn’t alone in mourning his death.

World leaders across the globe join together to bid farewell to Pope Francis

World leaders from every corner of the globe have come together to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, reflecting on his enduring impact as a spiritual leader and global humanitarian. The 266th pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, died after a 12-year papacy marked by humility, reform, and tireless advocacy for the marginalized.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who met briefly with the pope on Sunday, expressed condolences on X, saying, “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to “a great man, a great shepherd,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Francis “inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.”

Jose Ramos-Horta, president of East Timor—visited by the pope in 2024—called his legacy “profound,” citing his commitment to “humanity, of justice, of human fraternity.” 

Pope Francis was elected in 2013 and inherited a church filled with scandal and division, but when he left, he was a symbol of humility, compassion, and reform. His passing, though saddening, inspires people to be better. Do you have some words of farewell for the late Pope Francis?