Former President Barack Obama praised Pope Francis as a “rare leader” in a social media post honoring him after his death.

Why It Matters

Obama and Pope Francis met several times while he was president. Pope Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, died at the age of 88, the Vatican said on Monday. During his 12-year tenure, the pope frequently weighted in on political matters such as LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, abortion rights and immigration.

What to Know

Obama paid tribute to Pope Francis in a post to X (formerly Twitter), just hours after his death was confirmed.

“Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound—embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners—he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another,” Obama wrote.

He continued: “Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope’s example. May we continue to heed his call to “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope.”

Have Other Presidents Reacted to Francis’ Death?

President Donald Trump reacted to the news in a post to Truth Social.

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

Former President Joe Biden wrote in a post to 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,” Biden wrote. “As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. 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.”

What People Are Saying

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on X: “Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church. He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in a statement: “Today I join Canadians and Catholics around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome — a shepherd of deep moral clarity, spiritual courage and boundless compassion. From every corner of the globe, the prayers of the faithful go with Pope Francis as he journeys to his eternal rest.”

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on X: “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church.”

What Happens Next

The church has entered a phase known as Sede Vacante, which triggers a sequence of events designed to both honor the deceased pope and prepare for the election.