Messages from global leaders poured in after the Vatican announced the death Monday of Pope Francis, head of the worldwide Catholic Church.

Francis, who ascended to the pontificate in 2015, had become well known for his message to world leaders and the faithful calling for greater mercy, love for the poor, and for humanity to take better care of the environment.

"I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis," Vice President JD Vance, who met with the Pope only yesterday during a trip to Rome and the Vatican, wrote on the social media platform X. "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. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”

“Rest in peace, Pope Francis,” the Trump White House posted to X, alongside a photo of President Trump and First Lady Melania meeting with the Catholic leader.

Former President Joe Biden, the United States' second Catholic chief executive, said Francis was a “Pope for everyone. He was the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love.”

“It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him,” Biden said in the statement, released on X.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has collaborated closely with the Pope and leader of one of Europe’s most Catholic nations, posted an emotional message, expressing thanks for Pope Francis' “friendship.”

“Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s house. A news that pains us deeply, because a great man and a great pastor leaves us. I have had the privilege to enjoy his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never diminished even in times of trial and suffering,” she wrote.

King Charles of the United Kingdom said the Pope “will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who’s country of India has a sizable population of Catholics, said that he is “Deeply pained” by Pope Francis’ death.

“Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself toward realizing the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope,” Modi said in a post to X. “I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”