The world has lost a defender of the poor and marginalised, European leaders said after the death of Pope Francis on Monday, drawing attention to his support for the forgotten and least fortunate in society.

The pontiff was a staunch defender of refugees and the impoverished during his 12 years leading the Catholic Church, especially during his trips abroad.

In 2024, during a visit to Luxembourg, he called on people to focus on “the advantages of peace over the horrors of war and the advantages of integrating and promoting migrants over marginalising them.”

In the course of Russia’s war on Ukraine, the pope repeatedly reminded the public of what he called the “martyred Ukraine.”

At the Venice Art Biennale, the pope met dozens of prisoners. He sought to highlight the problem of overcrowding in many jails before the Vatican showcased works created in dialogue with prisoners.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella said his teachings reminded “us of the message of the Gospel, solidarity among people, the duty to be close to the weakest, international cooperation, and peace in humanity.”

French President Emmanuel Macron noted that Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest “from Buenos Aires to Rome.”

He added, “To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him.”

Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz said, “Francis will be remembered for his tireless commitment to the weakest in society, to justice and reconciliation. Humility and faith in God’s mercy guided him in this.”

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the pope inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and “love so pure” for the less fortunate.

President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola described the deceased as the “people’s pope” who will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality and social justice.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez talked about his commitment to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable. He noted that the pope “leaves a profound legacy.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, “He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution, and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world.”

Polish President Andrzej Duda considered the pope a “great apostle of mercy” who saw “an answer to the challenges of the modern world.”

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said many who felt forgotten felt heard, seen, and understood by the pope, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that in Pope Francis, the Catholic Church and the world “have lost an advocate for the weak, a reconciler, and a warm-hearted person.”

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof explained that with his “sober way of life, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was a role model for many – Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!”

Russian President Vladimir Putin added that in all the years of “his pontificate, he actively promoted dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches as well as constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See.”

Former German chancellor Angela Merkel said the deceased pope, throughout his 12-year pontificate, was unwavering in his commitment to those who could not speak for themselves. He was not afraid to be uncomfortable.”

(dpa/NAN)