Pope Francis Bid Farewell, Leaving a Lasting Impact on the World
Famous Figures Mourn Pope Francis' Death: Music Stars, Athletes, and Actors Express Their Condolences
The passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21st, has left many mourning, including renowned figures from the worlds of music, football, and Hollywood. French singer Mireille Mathieu expressed her deep sadness saying, "I was deeply saddened on this Easter Sunday as I watched the Pope in Rome deliver his final Urbi et Orbi blessing in a whisper, like a final message."
: VIDEO. Tears for Pope Francis: Mireille Mathieu pays tribute to the "warmth" of the sovereign pontiff, whom she met in 2019 The French song icon had met him in a private audience in December 2019, and then sang at the Vatican for the Christmas concert.
Football Stars Mourn the Pope
Numerous footballers took to social media to express their grief. Legendary Italian player Gianluigi Buffon shared on Instagram, "[Pope Francis was] a special Pope, capable of illuminating his time like only the greatest can. He was a spiritual and moral beacon who always spoke to the heart of the world, with simplicity, humanity, and strength." The retired goalkeeper concluded, "I will carry his example in my heart forever."
French player Adrien Rabiot also paid homage on Instagram saying, "Rest in peace, Pope Francis." Erling Haaland, Manchester City's star striker, posted a heartfelt "R.I.P." in his Instagram story, accompanied by a photo of the Pope.
Real Madrid's footballers observed a minute of silence before their morning training session, a gesture shared by the team's official X account on social media.
Tributes Across the USA
Across the Atlantic, similar expressions of sorrow were shared. Mel Gibson, for instance, reposted on Instagram the Vatican's announcement of the Pope's passing. Russell Crowe paid tribute to the Pope on Twitter, stating, "A beautiful day in Rome, but a sad day for the faith. Rest in peace, Francis."
Sister Act star Whoopi Goldberg wanted to honor the Pope, who she had met twice, saying, "[He was] one of the few, for a long time, to remember that the love of Christ embraced both believers and non-believers." Eva Longoria and Kate Walsh, known for her role in Grey's Anatomy, also expressed their condolences on their Instagram stories.
Pope Francis: A Champion for Change
While not explicitly mentioned in sources, his emphasis on addressing inequality and climate change likely resonated with global figures across industries. As a moral authority on climate change, he significantly impacted international agreements, such as the Paris Accord, through Vatican diplomacy. His urgent calls for attention to the plight of marginalized communities, from refugees and the homeless to victims of global conflicts like Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, further solidified his commitment to social justice.
Though specific tributes from entertainment or sports personalities were not detailed, it is reasonable to assume that his stances on inequality and climate justice—key issues for many celebrities—would have earned him recognition and sympathy. His death in April 2025 prompted widespread reactions, indicating acknowledgment across cultural spheres.
- French singer Mireille Mathieu, who had met Pope Francis in December 2019 and sung at the Vatican for the Christmas concert, expressed her deep sadness on Easter Sunday over the passing of the Pope.
- Legendary Italian footballer, Gianluigi Buffon, shared on Instagram that Pope Francis was a spiritual and moral beacon, who always spoke to the heart of the world with simplicity, humanity, and strength.
- French player Adrien Rabiot, Erling Haaland from Manchester City, and numerous other footballers expressed their grief over the Pope's passing on social media.
- Real Madrid's footballers observed a minute of silence before their morning training session in remembrance of the Pope.
- Hollywood celebrities, such as Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe, Sister Act's Whoopi Goldberg, and Grey's Anatomy's Kate Walsh, also expressed their condolences over the passing of Pope Francis. His emphasis on addressing inequality and climate change likely resonated with global figures across industries.
