Greek leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, praising his moral clarity, dedication to peace, and unwavering support for the vulnerable.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece joins Catholic Christians around the world in mourning the Pope’s passing. “He was a moral leader who believed in peace, solidarity and friendship,” Mitsotakis wrote on social media, acknowledging the Pope’s global influence during a decade-long papacy that often emphasised compassion over division.
SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras also honoured the Pope’s legacy, calling him “a spiritual leader who chose to be more than what his titles offered.” In a message posted online, Tsipras added: “He was the voice of the voiceless — the poor and the persecuted. He promoted peace, solidarity and interfaith dialogue, even when it meant opposing powerful interests.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was elected in 2013 and became the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy was widely recognised for its focus on humility, social justice, and calls for institutional reform — often challenging conventional norms within the Church and beyond.
Although Greece is a predominantly Orthodox Christian country, Pope Francis was widely respected for his outreach to other Christian traditions and his historic efforts to bridge divides. His visit to the island of Lesvos in 2016, where he stood beside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Ieronymos to support refugees, left a lasting mark on Greek society.
As the world mourns his loss, Greek leaders have joined the chorus of voices recognising Pope Francis not only as the head of the Catholic Church, but as a global figure who led with empathy, courage, and a vision for a more united and compassionate world.
