Celebrities React To The Death Of Pope Francis: ‘Truly Anointed’

The world is mourning the death of Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic church who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber announced Monday.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”

Francis’ death comes a few months after he contracted bronchitis in February and was hospitalized in Rome, per Associated Press. He later contracted double pneumonia and experienced “two episodes of acute respiratory failure,” according to the Vatican.

On March 23, he was released from the hospital after a 38-day stay. Pope Francis made a few public appearances after his release from the hospital, including waving to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.

World leaders have posted their messages of condolences, as did several celebrities who shared about Pope Francis’ death on social media.

Vice President J.D. Vance, who just met with Pope Francis on Sunday, shared his thoughts with a post on X.

“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance wrote. “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful,” he continued. “May God rest his soul.”

“The View” host Whoopi Goldberg showed a photo of herself meeting the Holy Father. “He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and none [sic] believer,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances [sic] with your love of humanity & Laughter.”

“Truly anointed,” actress Viola Davis wrote on Instagram.

 

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“Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people,” actor Antonio Banderas wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of himself with the Holy Father.

“A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful. RIP Francis,” wrote “Gladiator” star Russell Crowe alongside a photo of Rome.

“A wonderful, wonderful man!” Sylvester Stallone wrote. “Rest in peace holy father!”

Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, wrote in Instagram Stories, “No better example of total humility in kindness and compassion. Thank you for leading us with not just your words, but with your unwavering service to humanity.”