Pope Francis Dies After Easter Appearance — Celebs Are Sharing Their Thoughts
Just one day after waving to thousands from his popemobile on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis has died. The Vatican confirmed that the 88-year-old passed away Monday, April 21, following a long battle with double pneumonia and other health issues.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement. “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 favour of the poorest and most marginalized.”
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God gave us Pope Francis for one more Easter. This was yesterday at St Peter’s sq. He was so ill but he still decided to see us and give us a blessing.
RIP
pic.twitter.com/j2tJh3mZeS— 𝔻𝕣. 𝔾𝕣𝕠𝕪𝕡𝕖𝕣
(@TheeDrGroyper) April 21, 2025
Farrell ended with a few final words about Francis’ life of faith, adding, “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.”
The news comes just weeks after Francis was discharged from Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, where he’d spent time recovering from a serious respiratory infection, according to Vatican News.
Shortly after word spread of the Catholic Church’s beloved leader passing away, it didn’t take long for celebrities to share their thoughts and pay their respects.
“He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and none believer,” Whoopi Goldberg wrote on Instagram. “Sail on Pope Frances with your love of humanity & Laughter.”
“RIP Pope Francis ♥️,” Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh shared. “Within the constraints of his tradition, manifestly compassionate and standing with the marginalised. What a loss🙏🏾.”
“A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful,” Russell Crowe wrote alongside a scenic shot of the Rome skyline on X (formerly Twitter). “RIP Francis.”
Antonio Banderas remembered him as “a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people,” while Eva Longoria thanked Francis for “being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized.” The 50-year-old Desperate Housewives star added, “Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered 🤍🕊️.”
According to a 2023 interview, Francis had asked to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome — a place he said held deep personal meaning due to his “great devotion” to the Virgin Mary.
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