Pope Francis died: NRW pays him respect with grief flagship

Pope Francis died: NRW pays him respect with grief flagship

The death of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025 at the age of 88, triggered grief and sympathy worldwide. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope died in the Gemelli Clinic in Rome after a multi-month illness, which included bronchitis and pneumonia. Francis was treated inpatient on February 14, 2025 and only released on March 23.

For the funeral service, which will take place on Saturday at St. Peter's Square in Rome, state guests from all over the world have announced themselves. Among the participants are the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj and French President Emmanuel Macron. Pope Francis' actual burial takes place in the Marienkirche Santa Maria Maggiore, not in St. Peter's Basilica, as originally expected.

mourning in North Rhine-Westphalia

In the memory of the late Pope, a mourning flag was ordered in North Rhine-Westphalia. Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) announced that the flags on public buildings in the country, which are raised on half mast. This is done in and to Rome at a time when state guests will take part in the funeral service.

In Germany, a mourning flag is also ordered for the highest federal authorities. US President Joe Biden and numerous politicians worldwide expressed dismayed about the death of Francis, who was known as an important leader of the Catholic Church and as a friend of the weak.

international reactions

The death of Pope Francis triggered deep regret, particularly with political leaders. UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres described him as "offered hope, humility and humanity" and emphasized his commitment to climate protection and social justice. EU Council President Antonio Costa also praised the Pope's commitment to global challenges.

• Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, called Francis a advocate of the weak.
• Emmanuel Macron praised the Pope for his commitment to the needy.
• The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as a "big shepherd".
• The Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences and praised the dialogue between the churches.
• The Dalai Lama expressed his condolences and spoke Buddhist prayers.

Francis leaves an inheritance of compassion and humanity, which not only shows effect in the Catholic Church, but also all over the world. Also Jewish communities and religious leaders worldwide mourn him and appreciate his efforts against anti -Semitism and for interreligious dialogue.

his death is considered a great loss for the Catholic Church and the entire humanity. His tireless efforts for the weakest and the promotion of peace will be entered into history as outstanding.

How the events will develop remains to be seen while the world looks at the funeral service and the burial of Pope Francis. Further information about the Pope and the reactions of his death can be found in the reports from Wa.de and Vaticannews.va .