In a plot twist no one saw coming—especially not on Easter Monday, which is usually reserved for leftover chocolate and deep reflection on bad brunch choices—the Vatican has officially confirmed that Pope Francis has passed away. And let’s just say, the celebrity group chat of the universe has been lit with tributes, tears, and tasteful black outfits.
Let’s dive into this emotional Oscars-worthy reel of reactions:
Whoopi Goldberg posted a heartfelt message that gave theology majors a run for their money. She dropped a vintage selfie with the Pope and captioned it like a spiritual philosopher at open mic night:
“He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and none believer.”
(Grammar aside, Whoopi nailed it.)
She closed with:
“Sail on Pope Frances with your love of humanity & Laughter.”
Yes, she spelled it “Frances,” and yes, we’ll allow it because grief makes spelling optional.
Adjoa Andoh, queen of Bridgerton wisdom and subtle shade, wrote:
“RIP Pope Francis ♥️ Within the constraints of his tradition, manifestly compassionate and standing with the marginalised.”
Translation: Even while working with the Vatican’s tight dress code and older-than-time rulebook, this man still managed to serve empathy and inclusion.
Antonio Banderas, international man of mystery and soft whispers, came through with bilingual sadness:
“Muere el papa Francisco… showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people.”
Coming soon: Desperado II: Vatican Drift.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and unofficial Princess of Niceness, took to her Instagram Story (a sacred space) to say:
“No better example of total humility in kindness and compassion.”
Honestly, if this were a job interview for sainthood, Pope Francis just got hired posthumously.
Eva Longoria, who somehow manages to look like an angel even while crying, dropped a tribute with a photo and the kind of caption that makes your soul do a slow clap:
“Rest in Peace, Your Holiness. Thank you for being an ally and speaking up for the marginalized.”
Eva stays booked, busy, and blessed.
And finally, Russell Crowe, gladiator of both Rome and emotion, summed it up with:
“A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful.”
We see you, Maximus. Even your grief has perfect punctuation.
The world lost a Pope, but heaven just got one heck of a spiritual icon. Somewhere up there, Pope Francis is probably cracking jokes with St. Peter and gently side-eyeing whoever forgot to double-check Whoopi’s spelling.
Rest in peace, Pope Francis—your legacy lives on in memes, prayers, and heartfelt Instagram tributes with Valencia filter.
A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful.
RIP Francis. pic.twitter.com/ckewTrYyFW— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 21, 2025
Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we… pic.twitter.com/AFI0BEotUO
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 21, 2025
It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served… pic.twitter.com/GsE03QNoHj
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 21, 2025