Stars React to Pope Francis’ Death at 88: Whoopi Goldberg, JD Vance, King Charles III and More

Celebrities and world leaders are mourning the death of Pope Francis.

The Vatican confirmed on Monday, April 21, that the leader of the Catholic Church had died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

“Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in a statement on Monday. “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and 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.”

“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 the Triune God,” Farrell concluded.

Pope Francis’ death will be mourned by millions of Catholics around the world, including celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg.

Read on for tributes to the late pope:

Whoopi Goldberg

“He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and none [sic] believer,” Goldberg wrote alongside a photo of her meeting the pope. “He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope [Francis] with your love of humanity & Laughter.”

JD Vance

The U.S. vice president, who recently met the pope, shared via 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.”

“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.”

King Charles III

“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry,” the British monarch said in a statement.

“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,” the statement continued.

The king concluded, “The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month. We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”

Antonio Banderas

“Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people,” Banderas shared via Instagram, alongside a photo of him meeting the late pope.

Adjoa Andoh

“RIP Pope Francis ♥️ Within the constraints of his tradition, manifestly compassionate and standing with the marginalised,” the Bridgerton actress wrote via Instagram. “What a loss.”

Russell Crowe

“A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful. RIP Francis,” the Gladiator actor wrote alongside a photo of the Rome skyline via X.

Joe Biden

The former U.S. president wrote via X, “It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him.”

“For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths,” Biden continued. “He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love.”

Sarah Ferguson

The Duchess of York, Prince Andrew‘s ex-wife, wrote via her Instagram Story, “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,” she added.