Feature story
His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his sorrow, noting that Pope Francis was “a precious brother in Christ” and “a true friend of Orthodoxy.”
“Throughout these twelve years of his papacy, he was a faithful friend, companion, and supporter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He left behind an example of genuine humility and brotherly love,” said His All-Holiness.
The Argentine Federation of Evangelical Churches expressed its deepest condolences. “Thanks be to God for the life of our brother Pope Francis, a man whose commitment to ecumenism and reconciliation marked his career both in Argentina and in the Vatican,” reads the message. “During his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis promoted constant and fraternal dialogue with the Evangelical churches, including meetings through the Ecumenical Commission of Christian Churches in Argentina, as well as other forums for dialogue, where he always encouraged the search for common ground in the service of the people of God.”
Pacific Conference of Churches general secretary Rev. James Bhagwan reflected on the pope’s ecumenical spirit and commitment to social and ecological justice.
“In particular the encyclicals Laudato Si and Laudato Deum were key declarations on the need for an ecological conversion, the end of the era of fossil fuels and corporate capture of creation, not only as a prophetic voice but also as the head of the Vatican State,” said Bhagwan. "We call the Pasifika Household of God to pray for the soul of the late pontiff, for a faith community in mourning, and for those who will soon seek divine wisdom in electing Pope Francis' successor as Bishop of Rome."
Christian Conference of Asia general secretary Dr Mathews George Chunakara said, “Pope Francis was both a spiritual leader and a statesman of rare moral authority. He inspired millions around the world, teaching us to love one another, live faithfully according to the values of the Gospel, and care for the vulnerable and marginalised. His death represents a great loss, not only for the faithful of the Roman Catholic church but for humanity as a whole.”
The Evangelical Church of the River Plate highlighted the strong ecumenical spirit that characterized the life and ministry of Pope Francis. “Already in his youth, during his formative years at the San Miguel Seminary (1958-1963), Bergoglio participated in fraternal gatherings with Lutheran seminarians from the then Lutheran Faculty of Theology of José C. Paz,” reads a message from the church. “These gatherings, which even included soccer games every Saturday, fostered a fraternal coexistence between future pastors and priests.”
In a 2016 interview, Pope Francis recounted his first encounter with a Lutheran community in Buenos Aires, when he attended the wedding of a colleague at the Central Parish of the German Evangelical Congregation:
“I remember the first time I entered a Lutheran church. It was their main church in Argentina, on Esmeralda Street in Buenos Aires. I was 17 years old. My colleague, Axel Bachmann, was getting married. He was the uncle of the Lutheran theologian Mercedes García Bachmann. Mercedes's mother, Ingrid, worked in the laboratory where I worked. That was the first time I attended a Lutheran celebration.”
Right Rev. Anthony Poggo, secretary-general of the Anglican Communion, described Pope Francis as a man of great faith, humility, and compassion. “I want to express the deep appreciation of the Anglican Communion for the remarkable leadership that Pope Francis has given to the Catholic Church and to the world at large,” he wrote. “Throughout his papacy Pope Francis has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to evangelisation, to show justice, mercy, love and reconciliation.”
The World Methodist Council commended the open mind and heart of Pope Francis. “Pope Francis addressed directly the fact that for a long time there was suspicion and distrust between Catholics and Methodists,” reads the council’s message. “But that ‘we can now thank God because, for 60 years, we are progressing together in knowledge, in mutual understanding, and love.’ He added that: ‘This has helped us to deepen our mutual communion.’ ”
The National Council of Churches in Bangladesh described the life of Pope Francis as a beacon of hope and love for millions around the world. “His departure leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts and in the global community,” a message from the council reads. “As we reflect on his extraordinary journey, we celebrate the profound impact he made in the pursuit of peace and unity.”
The Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil reflected on the pope’s leadership as a beacon of hope.
“In his life and ministry, Pope Francis witnessed to the love of Christ, calling for justice, acceptance, and dignity for marginalized people, and care for our common home,” reads the church’s message. “May his legacy inspire us to continue building signs of the Kingdom of God, where peace, love, and justice prevail.”
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shared a pastoral message of heartfelt grief.
“Pope Francis served Christ’s church with wisdom, courage, and humility,” reads the message. “Throughout his pastoral ministry, he served as an instrument of God’s justice and peace for all people and the whole of creation.”
Pope Francis, ecumenical prophet of mercy, dies at age 88 (WCC obituary, 21 April 2025)
