The Pope and Me: Famous Catholics around the world reflect on a spiritual leader's legacy

As tributes are paid across the globe to the late Pope Francis I, famous Catholics have been reflecting on their own interactions and the .

Pope Francis was seen by parts of the Catholic Church - rightly or wrongly - as a . He attracted many new people to the religious institution he led. Among those that held him in high esteem were world leaders - extending to people in other famous circles, from star-studded places such as Hollywood and other well-known players in the entertainment and sports industries. The first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years - died on Easter Monday .

The Cardinal Kevin Ferrell announced the , saying in a statement: "With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune." Celebrity condolences have poured in following the announcement which occurred earlier today.

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A wide range of famous people have offered their thoughts about the late pope - who was admired by many - as he was remembered on social media by celebrities of all ages and faiths. But his passing will especially resonate with those who identify with the Catholic faith as their revered leader died just hours after delivering his final, poignant mass.

The timing of the pope's death is also significant - it is believed to be the day after Christ was resurrected on Earth, which was Easter Sunday. Pope Francis continued to spread a message of hope and comfort to others, continuing to work concerns and being advised by doctors to rest.

Among the celebrities to pay their respects was Whoopi Goldberg, 69, who played a starring role in Sister Act as a woman who seeks refuge with a group of nuns. She recalled a past meeting with Pope Francis, writing: "He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and none believer. He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances with your love of humanity & Laughter."

Former US president Joe Biden, who was just the second Catholic POTUS in his country's history paid his respects to the late pontiff, calling him the 'people's pope'. Biden posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "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. For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People’s Pope - a light of faith, hope, and love."

Closer to home, boxer Frank Bruno paid his respects to the pontiff, writing: "Morning for those not heard His Holiness the Pope has passed away. I am not very religious but was married in a Catholic church. May he rest in peace #rip #morning #monday."

The Duchess of York, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, , “No better example of total humility in kindness and compassion. Thank you for leading us with not just your words, but with your unwavering service to humanity."

Prime Minister led tributes in Britain, saying Pope Francis's leadership of the church "was often courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility." He said: "His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and he church was often courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.

"Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost the faith-fuelled hope of a better world. That hope was at the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church's teachings of mercy and charity."

He added: "With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs. My thoughts are with Catholics across the world, and the Roman Catholic Church. May His Holiness Rest in Peace."

King Charles also paid tribute to Pope Francis. He said, he was 'deeply saddened' to learn of the Pope's passing. He added Francis, who was the first Latin American pope, would be 'remembered for his compassion' and had 'profoundly touched the lives of so many'.

: "My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.

"His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the 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. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.

"Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many. The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.

"We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ."

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, noted that Pope Francis's death on Easter Monday "feels especially poignant". She said: "Pope Francis spent his final Easter yesterday bearing witness to the faith he devoted his life to — a quiet presence at a time when the world needed humility, courage, and conviction."

"His death on Easter Monday feels especially poignant. He reminded us that leadership isn’t about power, but about service. When I met him in 2022, he spoke warmly of the UK and the values we share. In a world that too often turns away from faith, he stood firm. May he rest in peace."

Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, who converted to Catholicism after leaving No10, said Pope Francis was admired "for his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith". Stephen Cottrell, archbishop of York and interin leader of the Church of England, paid tribute to the "holy man of God" who was deeply committed to the poor and the environment.

"I remember, in the brief times spent with him, how this holy man of God was also very human. He was witty, lively, good to be with, and the warmth of his personality and interest in other shone out from him," he said in tribute. Former archbishop of Cantebury Justin Welby, who became leader of the world's Anglicans the same year Francis became pope, also paid tribute.

"From the very first days of his papacy he was an example of humility. He constantly reminded us of the importance of serving the poor, always standing with those who faced persecution and hardship," he said. The mayor of London also expressed his condolences online as he acknowledged over one million Catholics live in the country's capital.

"As the Mayor to a city of more than one million Catholics, I want to express my sadness, and the sadness of all Londoners, at the pasisng of His Holiness Pope Francis," wrote Sadiq Khan. "He was a man of courage and humility who demonstrated how cooperation between faiths was a force for good."