Hollywood pays tribute to the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday morning at the age of 88.
“For a long time, he seemed to remember the followers and non-believers whose love of Christ enveloped believers and non-believers,” wrote comedian Whoopi Goldberg in an Instagram post. “He felt like Pope John on the 23rd.
Viewhost met Pope Francis once in 2023 and twice in 2024 as part of a group of 100 comedians who attended a special event at the Vatican.
Antonio Banderas posted a message on Instagram honoring Latin America’s first pope.
“Pope Francis has passed away. The head of the Catholic Church and man who showed kindness, love and mercy to the poorest people,” wrote the Oscar-nominated actor.
“A beautiful day in Rome, but a sad day for a loyal person. RIP Francis” wrote actor Russell Crowe in X.
Actress Eva Longoria shared a photo of her meeting with the Pope on social media. “Live in peace, your sacred Pope Francis. Thank you for talking to many of us and to those who are alienated. Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered.”
Fashion designer Donatella Versace posted a photo of the Pope on her Instagram story, with the message “The peace of his sacred Pope Francis” along with a pigeon and a white heart emoji.
“Pope Francis has passed away,” wrote actor Kevin Sorbo in X.
The world was warned of the passing of Pope Francis Monday morning from the chapel of Domus Santa Malta, where Francis lived, through a presentation from the Cardinal Kevin Farrell of Vatican Camerlengo.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome of Francis returned to his father’s house. His life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his church,” Farrell said.
His death comes on Easter on Monday the day after he blessed the Catholic crowd who gathered at St. Peter’s Square for a sacred holiday to meet Vice President J.D. Vance.
“I just learned that Pope Francis has passed away. My heart is directed at millions of Christians around the world who love him. He was clearly very sick, but I was happy to see him,” Vance wrote in X.
The Pope Conclave will be convened over the next 15-20 days to decide the next Pope.
