Barack Obama Pays Touching Tribute To 'Rare Leader' Pope Francis
Former President Barack Obama mourned the loss of “rare leader” Pope Francis in an emotional statement on Monday, hours after the announcement of the death of the pope. “Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people,” the former president said in a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter. “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, alongside a photo of the two men shaking hands and smiling at each other. “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,” Obama added. “May we continue to heed his call to “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope.” Francis and Obama first met at the Vatican in 2014, and shared a warm relationship with each other.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… pic.twitter.com/AFI0BEotUO— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 21, 2025Francis died weeks after a five-week hospital stay for bronchitis and later pneumonia. He was released March 23 and had just celebrated Easter Mass.Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the pope’s death with “deep sorrow” on Monday. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” he said. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.” Tributes poured in from royalty, world leaders and celebrities following the news.
