'A testament to hope': 7 Christian leaders react to death of Pope Francis

By Michael Gryboski, Editor
Monday, April 21, 2025

Pope Francis gestures as he celebrates New Year's Day during a Mass on World Day of Peace in Saint-Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Jan. 1, 2025. | ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images

Pope Francis, the first head of the Roman Catholic Church to come from Latin America, died at 88 on Monday, shortly after giving a traditional Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis became pope in March 2013 after his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, resigned.

The death of the pontiff has brought a wave of reactions from leaders and prominent figures across Christendom, including members of the Catholic Church and Protestants of varying theologies.

Here are seven notable Christian leaders' reactions to the death of Pope Francis.

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get: