Celebrities from around the globe have spared their time to pay tribute to Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Catholic Church.
The Pope died on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, after suffering a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death, stating: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church."
Pope Francis, known for his progressive stance and outspoken compassion, left an indelible mark on the world, and many celebrities are now expressing their gratitude and respect for his contributions.
Football legend Lionel Messi shared a touching image of the two on his Instagram Stories with the message: "A different Pope, close, Argentine … Rest in peace, Pope Francis. Thank you for making the world a better place. We will miss you."
Actress Eva Longoria, known for her role in "Desperate Housewives", praised the Pope’s commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations.
“Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalised. Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered."
Whoopi Goldberg shared on Instagram: "He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and non-believer. He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances with your love of humanity & Laughter."
Antonio Banderas echoed similar sentiments, calling the Pope “a man who at the head of the Catholic Church showed kindness, love and mercy to the neediest people.”
The Spanish actor posted a handshake photo with Francis, closing with the hashtag #RIP.
Pope Francis left clear instructions for his funeral, asking for a simple and unadorned tomb inside the Roman basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore.
"I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care," he said in his will.