"With Pope Francis' passing, nearly one and a half billion Catholics worldwide have lost an important leader – moral and religious", writes Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) in a statement.
According to Kristersson, the Pope will be remembered for "his humility, his fight against poverty and social injustice, and as an unwavering defender of every human being's dignity".
King Carl Gustav mourns the Pope's passing.
"By virtue of his natural charisma, deep humility, and his never-wavering defense of human dignity, the Pope was a significant leader", he writes in a press release.
He also thinks back to Pope Francis' visit to Lund almost ten years ago.
"We remember with warmth the ecumenical service where Lutherans and Catholics gathered under the cathedral's vaults to leave historical conflicts behind in a spirit of reconciliation and understanding".
Met recently
USA's Vice President JD Vance, who is a Catholic convert, met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Sunday. Since receiving the news of his death on Monday, Vance writes that his thoughts go to "millions of Christians worldwide".
"I was glad to meet him yesterday, even though he was obviously very ill", the American continues.
President Donald Trump also comments and writes on social media: "Rest in peace, Pope Francis! Bless him and all who loved him!"
Condolences also come from the highest EU level. This Pope inspired millions of people, "far beyond the Catholic Church", writes Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on social media:
"May they find comfort in the thought that Pope Francis' legacy will continue to guide us towards a more just and peaceful world with more compassion".
Catholic countries mourn
Many European leaders echo similar condolences, among them several traditionally deeply Catholic countries.
Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin praises Pope Francis' solidarity with "the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed". Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk describes the deceased Pope as a "good, warm, and emotional man". Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says goodbye to "a great man" and says she is lucky to have received his friendship, advice, and teachings.
In Paris, the bells of the Notre-Dame Cathedral toll 88 times on the Pope's day of death, once for each year of his life.
