AceShowbiz - Hollywood and the global community are in mourning following the announcement of Pope Francis' death on Easter Monday at the age of 88, after a prolonged battle with double pneumonia. The world has responded with tributes reflecting the impact of his compassionate leadership and dedication to serving humanity.

Among the first to honor the pope was actress Whoopi Goldberg. She compared him to Pope John XXIII and expressed her admiration for his humanity and laughter.

On Instagram, she shared a heartfelt tribute alongside a photo from her meetings with him in 2023 and 2024. "He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ's love enveloped believer and none believer," she wrote.

Actor Antonio Banderas, who described himself as an agnostic with a strong affinity for Catholic spirituality, also paid his respects. Posting a picture from their 2016 meeting, he wrote, "Pope Francisco has died - a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people."

Other celebrities, including Eva Longoria and Donatella Versace, took to social media to share their condolences.

Longoria, who met the pope in 2016, wrote on Instagram, "Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized." Versace simply posted, "Rest In Peace His Holiness Pope Francis," along with a praying hands emoji.

The entertainment world wasn't alone in its grief. Revered Richard Coles of the Church of England, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and US Vice President J.D. Vance were among the prominent figures offering tributes.

Coles shared a prayer on Twitter, and Starmer praised the pope's leadership during complex and challenging times. Vice President Vance, who recently met the pope, tweeted his condolences, noting the pope's obvious illness during their meeting.

King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla, expressed their sorrow in a statement, highlighting their personal connection to the pontiff following a private meeting earlier this month. King Charles remarked on the pope's compassion and his belief in caring for Creation.

The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis' death, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell stating he had passed away at 7:35 AM local time. As the world comes to terms with this loss, the Conclave to elect his successor will convene in the coming weeks, and Pope Francis' body will lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope Francis' influence extended across generations and cultures, and the breadth of tributes underscores his global impact. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice, love for humanity, and ability to bridge divides.