Whoopi Goldberg and Antonio Banderas lead celebrity tributes to ‘compassionate’ Pope Francis
Many have shared photos of when they met him.
Tributes for Pope Francis have begun to stream in from celebrities after it was announced the head of the Catholic Church died aged 88.
This morning the Vatican released a statement that read: ‘Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.’
After being admitted to hospital on February 14 after having difficulty breathing, it later emerged the Pope was suffering from a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia.
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Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years, having been elected in March 2013 following the historic resignation of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI.
Since news of his death spread, many notable names in the entertainment industry have expressed their condolences.
Whoopi Goldberg, who met the Pope twice, posted a photo with him on Instagram.
It was announced this morning that he had died aged 88 (Picture: Vincenzo Pinto/ AFP via Getty Images)‘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,’ she shared.
Also sharing a photo shaking the hand of the religious leader, Antonio Banderas wrote: ‘Muere el papa Francisco, muere un hombre que al frente de la iglesia católica mostró bondad, amor y misericordia con los más necesitados. Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people.’
Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Jorge, a sheep of ⁰your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen. #PopeFrancis Richard Coles (@RevRichardColes) April 21, 2025 Bono had previously met the Pope (Picture: Vatican Media/ Rex/ Shutterstock) Director Martin Scorsese, who is Catholic, kissed the hands of Pope Francis last year (Picture: ABACA/ Rex/ Shutterstock) Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg met him in 2016 (Picture: ABACA/ Rex/ Shutterstock)
Meanwhile Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh also paid tribute.
‘RIP Pope Francis ♥️ Within the constraints of his tradition, manifestly compassionate and standing with the marginalised. What a loss,’ she added.
Another post made in tribute came from I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! star Reverend Richard Coles.
‘Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Jorge, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen,’ he shared on X.
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