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Thursday, Feb 19, 2026
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Global Leaders Pay Tribute to Pope Francis Following His Death
World leaders react with grief and praise for the pontiff's commitment to peace, justice, and compassion
Pope Francis, the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, has died at the age of 88, prompting a global outpouring of grief from world leaders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recalled that Pope Francis 'prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians'.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the pope as a 'wise' religious leader and a 'consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice'.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the pope's leadership as 'courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility'.
King Charles, head of the Church of England, expressed his sadness at the pope's death, noting that he 'profoundly touched the lives of so many' through his work and care for people and the planet.
Argentine President Javier Milei remembered the pope as a man of 'goodness and wisdom', despite their differences.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the pope stood for 'brotherly humankind' and was always on the side of the most vulnerable.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the news of the pope's death as 'deeply sad', saying 'a great man has left us'.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the pope as a 'beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage'.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the pope's efforts to foster strong ties with the Jewish world and advance interfaith dialogue.
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas described the pope as a 'faithful friend' of the Palestinian people, who recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez noted that the pope's commitment to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable leaves a 'profound legacy'.
Incoming German chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed 'great sorrow' at the pope's death, describing him as a man guided by humility and faith.
Egyptian President Fattah al-Sisi said the pope's death is a 'profound loss for the entire world', as he was a voice of peace, love, and compassion.
Kenyan President William Ruto praised the pope's servant leadership, humility, and commitment to inclusivity and justice.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos remembered the pope as a man of 'profound faith and humility' who led with wisdom and a heart open to all, especially the poor and forgotten.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recalled that Pope Francis 'prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians'.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the pope as a 'wise' religious leader and a 'consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice'.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the pope's leadership as 'courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility'.
King Charles, head of the Church of England, expressed his sadness at the pope's death, noting that he 'profoundly touched the lives of so many' through his work and care for people and the planet.
Argentine President Javier Milei remembered the pope as a man of 'goodness and wisdom', despite their differences.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the pope stood for 'brotherly humankind' and was always on the side of the most vulnerable.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the news of the pope's death as 'deeply sad', saying 'a great man has left us'.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the pope as a 'beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage'.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the pope's efforts to foster strong ties with the Jewish world and advance interfaith dialogue.
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas described the pope as a 'faithful friend' of the Palestinian people, who recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez noted that the pope's commitment to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable leaves a 'profound legacy'.
Incoming German chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed 'great sorrow' at the pope's death, describing him as a man guided by humility and faith.
Egyptian President Fattah al-Sisi said the pope's death is a 'profound loss for the entire world', as he was a voice of peace, love, and compassion.
Kenyan President William Ruto praised the pope's servant leadership, humility, and commitment to inclusivity and justice.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos remembered the pope as a man of 'profound faith and humility' who led with wisdom and a heart open to all, especially the poor and forgotten.
