Following the heartbreaking news of Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, tributes have poured in from around the world, with celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg and Antonio Banderas sharing emotional messages in remembrance of the beloved pontiff. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell on the Vatican’s TV channel, though specific details surrounding his passing have not been disclosed.

Whoopi Goldberg’s Heartfelt Tribute

Whoopi Goldberg, an outspoken supporter of the Catholic faith and a close admirer of Pope Francis, took to Instagram to express her deep sadness. Sharing a photo of herself with the Pope from their past meetings, she reflected on the kindness and inclusivity that defined his papacy.

“He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped both believer and non-believer. He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real,” Goldberg wrote. “Sail on, Pope Francis, with your love of humanity & laughter.”

People around the world have been left devastated by the news (Image: VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Imag)

The 69-year-old Sister Act star recalled their two meetings, noting how Pope Francis made her feel welcomed and understood, particularly for his universal approach to faith. Goldberg, who has long been a proponent of inclusivity and compassion, praised the Pope for his deep sense of humanity, especially in his efforts to reach out to the most marginalized and disenfranchised people.

Antonio Banderas Honors the Pope’s Legacy

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas also shared a heartfelt tribute, highlighting Pope Francis’ profound impact on the Catholic Church and the world. In his post, Banderas wrote in both Spanish and English:

“Muere el papa Francisco, muere un hombre que al frente de la iglesia católica mostró bondad, amor y misericordia con los más necesitados.”
“Pope Francis has died—a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people.”

Banderas emphasized the Pope’s lifelong commitment to the principles of compassion and mercy, particularly in his outreach to the world’s most vulnerable. The actor, known for his advocacy and philanthropy, expressed deep admiration for the Pope’s humility and his global efforts to bring positive change to the world.

JD Vance’s Meeting with the Pope

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday just hours before his death, posted a tribute on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on the brief but meaningful encounter.

“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis,” Vance wrote. “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.”

Vance, who had a personal connection to the Pope after visiting him on Sunday, acknowledged the Pope’s declining health and expressed condolences to those mourning his loss globally.

A Legacy of Kindness and Mercy

Pope Francis’ death has left the world in mourning. Over his 12 years as leader of the Catholic Church, he reshaped its global reach, focusing on humility, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to the poorest and most marginalized people. His efforts to address social justice, climate change, and economic inequality were significant pillars of his papacy.

Whoopi had met the pope twice before (Image: AP)

The Vatican’s statement upon his passing read:

“This morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. 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.”

Cardinal Kevin Farrell praised Pope Francis’ unwavering dedication to promoting global peace and interfaith dialogue, stating that his work as a “true disciple of the Lord Jesus” would leave a lasting impact on the world.

Pope Francis and His Celebrity Encounters

During his papacy, Pope Francis met with a number of high-profile celebrities and world leaders. His approachable nature and commitment to peace allowed him to form relationships with influential figures, including George Clooney, Amal Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

These celebrity interactions further amplified his message of peace and unity, spreading his influence far beyond the religious sphere and into popular culture.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance admitted Pope Francis was “very ill” when he had met him (Image: Getty Images)

The World Reacts: Tributes Pour In

As the news of Pope Francis’ death spread, people from all walks of life have shared their tributes, reflecting on his legacy and the impact he had on both religious and secular communities. Celebrities, politicians, religious figures, and everyday individuals have expressed their sorrow and gratitude for his life of service and commitment to humanity.

In addition to the tributes from Goldberg, Banderas, and Vance, fans from around the world have flooded social media with their memories and admiration for Pope Francis. His death marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, but his influence will undoubtedly continue for generations to come.

Conclusion: Pope Francis’ Enduring Impact

Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, justice, and service to others. His commitment to addressing global issues such as poverty, climate change, and refugees has set a powerful example for future leaders. As the world mourns his passing, his teachings will continue to resonate, reminding everyone of the importance of kindness, love, and humility.

The tributes from figures like Whoopi Goldberg, Antonio Banderas, and JD Vance underscore the broad reach of Pope Francis’ influence. He was not just a religious leader but a global ambassador of peace and goodwill. His death represents the loss of a true humanitarian, but his work will live on through the millions of lives he touched.