Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has been a global figure who has transcended the boundaries of the Catholic Church, impacting political, religious, cultural, and social leaders around the world. His focus on mercy, social justice, care for creation, and interreligious dialogue has generated admiration and respect in various circles. Below are some of the opinions and statements from international figures about the pontiff:

Political and Government Leaders

1. Joe Biden, President of the United States:
   Biden, the second Catholic president in the history of the United States, has repeatedly expressed his admiration for Pope Francis. At a meeting at the Vatican in 2021, Biden highlighted the pontiff’s commitment to the poor and his call for climate action. “Pope Francis has been a moral voice in the world, reminding us of our responsibility to the most vulnerable and to the planet,” he stated.
2. Emmanuel Macron, President of France:
   Macron praised the Pope for his role in promoting peace and social justice. During a visit to the Vatican, Macron highlighted the encyclical Laudato Si’ as a fundamental document for the fight against climate change. “Pope Francis inspires us to act with urgency and responsibility,” he said.
3. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada:
   Trudeau recognized Pope Francis’ leadership on issues such as migration and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Following the pontiff’s historic visit to Canada in 2022, where he apologized for the Church’s role in abuses against Indigenous communities, Trudeau stated, “His words and actions have been a crucial step toward healing and reconciliation.”
4. Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany:
   Merkel highlighted the importance of Pope Francis’ message on social and ethical issues. At a meeting at the Vatican, the former German chancellor praised his commitment to refugees and the marginalized. “Pope Francis reminds us that compassion and solidarity must be pillars of our societies,” he stated.
5. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India:
   Although from a different religious tradition, Modi recognized Pope Francis’ role as a promoter of interfaith dialogue and peace. During a visit to the Vatican, the Indian leader highlighted the importance of his message of universal brotherhood. “Pope Francis is a spiritual leader who inspires people of all faiths,” he stated.

Religious Leaders

1. Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople:
   The Orthodox leader highlighted Pope Francis’ closeness and commitment to Christian unity. The two have worked together on initiatives such as environmental protection and promoting peace. “Pope Francis is a brother in faith and an ally in defending Christian values,” stated Bartholomew I.
2. Imam Ahmad al-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar:
   The Muslim leader praised the Pope for his commitment to interfaith dialogue. Together they signed the Document on Human Fraternity in 2019, a milestone in relations between Christianity and Islam. “Pope Francis is a man of peace and a bridge between religions,” the imam said.
3. Rabbi Abraham Skorka, a personal friend of Pope Francis:
   Rabbi Skorka, who has maintained a long-standing friendship with the pontiff, highlighted his humility and ability to build bridges between different communities. “Pope Francis lives what he preaches: closeness to one’s neighbor and respect for all beliefs,” he stated.
4. Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism:
   The Dalai Lama has expressed his admiration for Pope Francis for his commitment to peace and justice. In a meeting at the Vatican, the Buddhist leader highlighted his focus on compassion and universal brotherhood. “Pope Francis is a spiritual leader who inspires people of all traditions,” he said.
5. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the Anglican Communion:
   Welby praised Pope Francis for his work promoting Christian unity and his focus on social justice. “Pope Francis reminds us that faith must be translated into concrete actions to help those most in need,” he said.

Cultural and Social Figures

1. Roberto Benigni, Italian actor and director:
   The renowned Italian artist has expressed his deep admiration for Pope Francis on several occasions. Benigni, known for his commitment to humanitarian values, has described the pontiff as “a beacon of hope in an often dark world.” In an interview, Benigni said: “Pope Francis reminds us that joy and humility are essential to living a full life. His message of love and mercy is universal and touches the hearts of everyone, believers and non-believers alike.”
2. Malala Yousafzai, education activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner:
   Malala has expressed her admiration for Pope Francis for his advocacy for the rights of migrants and refugees. “The Pope reminds us that every person has dignity and that we must welcome those fleeing war and poverty,” she said.
3. Andrea Bocelli, Italian tenor and musician:
   Bocelli highlighted the inspiration he finds in Pope Francis’s message. “His call to hope and faith in the midst of difficulties resonates in my music and in my life,” the tenor stated.
4. Shakira, Colombian singer and activist:
   The artist praised Pope Francis for his commitment to education and social justice. “Pope Francis is a powerful voice for the most vulnerable, especially children,” she said.
5. Bono, U2 frontman and activist:
   Bono recognized Pope Francis’ leadership in the fight against poverty and inequality. “Pope Francis challenges us to be better and to work for a more just world,” the musician stated.

Testimonies from ordinary people

In addition to prominent figures, millions of people around the world have expressed their gratitude toward Pope Francis. On his apostolic trips, the pontiff has been enthusiastically received by faithful who see in him a close and compassionate pastor. During his visit to Mexico in 2016, an indigenous woman told him: “You give us hope and remind us that God does not forget us.”

Pope Francis has left a profound mark on the world, not only among Catholics, but also among people of other faiths and backgrounds. His message of love, justice, and care for creation continues to inspire leaders and ordinary citizens to build a more fraternal and supportive world. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “Pope Francis is a light in times of darkness, reminding us that hope and action can change the world.”