Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has led tributes to Pope Francis following the pontiff’s death on Monday at the age of 88, describing him as “a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten” who offered hope and compassion during one of the most turbulent periods in recent history.
In a statement from Downing Street, Sir Keir praised the late pontiff for his “courageous leadership in a complex and challenging time”, noting that it always came from “a place of deep humility”.
“Pope Francis was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world,” the Prime Minister said. “With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.”
Politicians across the political spectrum have joined in paying their respects to the Argentine-born pontiff, whose tenure was defined by a bold commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and a modern, inclusive approach to Catholicism.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch reflected on the symbolism of the Pope’s passing on Easter Monday. “His death on this day feels especially poignant,” she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “He reminded us that leadership isn’t about power, but about service. When I met him in 2022, he spoke warmly of the UK and the values we share. In a world that too often turns away from faith, he stood firm.”
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, described Pope Francis as “a leader of compassion and courage”, commending his efforts to speak up for those in need and call for unity in a divided world. “His influence reached far beyond the Church. He offered hope by reminding us of strength in kindness and faith,” he said. “We should remember his example: stand up for what’s right, care for others, and hold onto compassion and hope.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also expressed his condolences, recalling a meeting with the Pope: “I met Pope Francis and liked him very much. His commitment to the poor and to dialogue across divisions was admirable.”
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak, who met the Pope during the G7 summit in June 2024, reflected on the pontiff’s moral clarity. “He reminded us of the dignity of every person – especially the poor and those without a voice,” Mr Sunak said.
Tributes also poured in from leaders of devolved administrations and across the UK Parliament. Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts, called Pope Francis “a voice for the poor and the oppressed across the world who will be greatly missed”. Meanwhile, Labour MP Pat McFadden, a senior Catholic member of the Cabinet, noted: “He served until the very end, with humility and grace.”
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Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, who converted to Catholicism after leaving office, said: “Pope Francis was an extraordinary and devoted servant of the Catholic Church, admired both within and beyond it for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and the service of all humanity — Christian and non-Christian alike.”
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was known for his outreach to marginalised communities, his outspoken stance on climate change, and his desire to reform the Church from within. His death marks the end of a significant chapter for the Catholic Church, and for many, a moment to reflect on values of humility, justice, and service.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Vatican in the coming days. Flags across the UK will be flown at half-mast on government buildings in honour of his legacy.
