Celebrities React to Pope Francis’ Passing (2025)

Stars are reacting to the loss of Pope Francis on Easter Monday (April 21).

The Vatican confirmed the news in a statement. There’s been an outpouring of condolences ever since, as the world mourns the loss of the religious leader following Easter weekend.

Whoopi Goldberg wrote on her Instagram, along with a photo of the two together: “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.”

Keep reading to find out more…

Adjoa Andoh wrote on Instagram: “RIP Pope Francis ♥️ Within the constraints of his tradition, manifestly compassionate and standing with the marginalised. What a loss.🙏🏾”

Antonio Banderas also shared a photo with him, writing: “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.”

Sarah Ferguson wrote on her Instagram Story: “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.”

Eva Longoria wrote along with a photo with the Pope: “Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered 🤍🕊️”

Russell Crowe wrote: “A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful. RIP Francis.”

Leonardo DiCaprio said: “Pope Francis was a transformational leader — not only for the Catholic Church, but also for environmental reform and activism.

He demonstrated a deep and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, most notably through his groundbreaking 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’. This powerful document served as a clarion call for a fundamental shift in how we relate to the planet. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life, Pope Francis urged individuals, communities, institutions, and world leaders to unite in caring for our common home. His words helped catalyze momentum ahead of the global 2015 COP21 conference, ultimately contributing to the formation of the Paris Agreement.

During the filming of my documentary Before the Flood in 2016, I had the honor of sitting down with Pope Francis for a conversation on the urgent need to address climate change. That experience was enlightening, deeply moving and thought provoking.

In 2023, Pope Francis expanded upon Laudato Si’ with the publication of Laudate Deum: Apostolic Exhortation on the Climate Crisis. In it, he renewed his call for immediate and decisive climate action, reminding us that “we are part of Nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it,” and that we must not view the world from the outside, but from within.

Pope Francis was one of the most extraordinary spiritual leaders of our time. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of environmentalists around the world. May he rest in peace.”

See more tributes from celebrities and world leaders below…

See which public figure the Pope met with hours before his passing.