“He radiated goodness” - Martin Scorsese and more celebrities pay tribute to pope Francis

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, shared the news at 9:45 AM.

A wave of tributes poured in from celebrities across the globe, including numerous members of the global Catholic community, mourning the death of the head of the Catholic Church. Director Martin Scorsese, known for his mastery of storytelling and distinctive directorial style, paid tribute to the late Pope Francis. In a statement with Variety, he shared:

“He was, in every way, a remarkable human being. He acknowledged his own failings. He radiated wisdom. He radiated goodness. He had an ironclad commitment to the good. He knew in his soul that ignorance was a terrible plague on humanity. So he never stopped learning. And he never stopped enlightening. And, he embraced, preached and practiced forgiveness. Universal and constant forgiveness.”

Scorsese then continued to explain why Pope Francis's loss feels so deep to him.

“The loss for me runs deep — I was lucky enough to know him, and I will miss his presence and his warmth. The loss for the world is immense. But he left a light behind, and it can never be extinguished.”

Pope Francis was honored worldwide

Other celebrities also paid tribute to Pope Francis.

American actor and comedian, Whoopi Goldberg, who met the Pope in 2023 and again last year, shared her tribute on Instagram, saying:

"He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and none believer. He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances with your love of humanity & Laughter"

Russell Crowe, the star known for his title role in Gladiator, had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis in 2014. He shared his condolences on the social media site X. The post includes an image of the Rome skyline, while his words included:

"A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful. RIP Francis."

American actress and film producer Eva Longoria shared her heartfelt tribute on Instagram. The caption read:

"Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered."

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas also shared a picture of himself with the Pope on X.

"Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people." the post read.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Patti Smith shared a picture of a dandelion growing between some cobblestones on Instagram, with the caption:

"a little flower, a dandelion, humble yet strong. I saw it this morning and was moved. Farewell dear Pope Francis.Nature and poetry and the suffering shall miss their champion."

The Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan also paid her tribute to Francis:

"Rest in peace and power, Pope Francis, you opened hearts and minds and were fearless in your guidance. Thank you for putting love first until your last moments on this earth." her post read on Instagram.

While in office, former United States President Barack Obama had the opportunity to meet the Pope. He shared his tribute and spoke about the Pope's outstanding leadership.

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 are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another. Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope’s example. May we continue to heed his call to “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope.”

Earlier this year, the Pope experienced a severe decline in health due to bronchitis that required hospitalization. This condition then progressed to double pneumonia, leading to several breathing crises. However, by March 21, he had recovered sufficiently to be discharged, and just two weeks later, he appeared before thousands in St. Peter's Square to deliver his Easter blessing.