Stars, Politicians React To Pope Francis’s Death

Politicians and celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute to Pope Francis after learning of his death Monday at the age of 88.

Vice President JD Vance was among the first to pay his final respects to the Pope on social media. Vance, who was the last government official to visit with him, wrote on X that his “heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”

“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” Vance continued. The White House, President Donald Trump, and former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama also issued statements on social media. Several celebrities did as well.

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.

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…

— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 21, 2025

The White House’s official X account shared images of Trump and Vance with the pope alongside the caption, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”

Trump also added his own personal tribute on Truth Social.

“Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” he wrote.

Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. ✝️ pic.twitter.com/8CGwKaNnTh

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2025

Eva Longoria shared a touching tribute alongside a gallery of images that captured her visit with the pope.

“Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. 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 to X to write, “a beautiful day in Rome, but a sad day for the faithful. RIP Francis.”

A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful.
RIP Francis. pic.twitter.com/ckewTrYyFW

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 21, 2025

Barack and former first lady Michelle Obama shared a touching note describing the Pope as a “rare leader who made us want to be better people.” Joe and former first lady Jill Biden paid tribute by 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 messages on social media.

Vatican officials confirmed the Pope’s death Monday. (RELATED: Pope Francis Dead At 88, Sending Catholic Church Into Mourning, Reflection As World Speculates On Possible Successor)

De Buenos Aires à Rome, le Pape François voulait que l’Église apporte la joie et l’espoir aux plus pauvres. Qu’elle unisse les Hommes entre eux et avec la nature. Puisse cette espérance ressusciter sans cesse au-delà de lui.

À tous les Catholiques,… pic.twitter.com/oFKBJwaweH

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 21, 2025

The late Pope Francis was hospitalized with bronchitis in February, and suffered from double pneumonia and several respiratory complications. He was released from hospital March 23 and blessed thousands of people on St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. His death was announced the next morning.