The death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88 has prompted an international wave of mourning, with religious leaders and heads of state paying tribute to a pontiff widely regarded as a symbol of peace, compassion, and unity.

From across the Orthodox Christian world, patriarchs of local Churches expressed their sorrow and praised the Pope’s lifelong dedication to fostering dialogue and solidarity among Christian communities.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, in a message addressed to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the acting Camerlengo, emphasized Pope Francis’s commitment to inter-Christian dialogue and his efforts to bring together Orthodox and Catholic believers. “Pope Francis strove for solidarity with the suffering and worked tirelessly for the unity of Christians,” Patriarch Kirill wrote.

Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia called the Pope’s passing “a profound loss for all Christians,” recalling their personal meeting in 2021 and praising Francis as a “peacemaker and bearer of the Good News to the afflicted.”

Patriarch Neophyte of Bulgaria, in a message on behalf of the Holy Synod, expressed sorrow and described Pope Francis as a global spiritual leader. Memorial prayers were reportedly held at all Bulgarian Orthodox missions abroad.

Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, described the late Pope as “a beacon of peace for all nations,” and praised his life as a living testament to the Gospel and Christ’s boundless mercy. “He was a tireless defender of the poor and a steadfast advocate for reconciliation,” the statement read.

Patriarch John X of Antioch noted the Pope’s strong support for Eastern Christians and his vocal calls for peace in Syria and the broader Middle East. “He left a mark on the hearts of Orthodox believers, especially those who suffer and are displaced,” John X said.

Ecumenical services and memorial liturgies were held in numerous Orthodox churches with ties to the Vatican. Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople called Pope Francis “a faithful friend and supporter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,” expressing hope that a worthy successor would carry forward the Pope’s legacy of unity and peace.

World leaders also joined in mourning. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov both conveyed their condolences. President Putin described Pope Francis as “a wise shepherd who earned global respect” and emphasized his role in strengthening ties between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

“In all the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted dialogue between our Churches and constructive relations between Russia and the Holy See,” Putin said. “I had the honor of meeting this remarkable man on several occasions, and I will always cherish the brightest memories of him.”

The Pope's funeral will take place later this week at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, in accordance with his final wishes.