Donald Trump weirdly short statement as Pope Francis dies aged 88

has issued a brief statement on social media following The US President took to Truth Social to deliver a two sentence message following the death of the pontiff who had in the past been a vocal critic of the US Administration.

He said: "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!" The head of the Catholic Church , aged 88. World leaders have issued statements to express their sorrow at the loss, with most penning heartfelt tributes about the Pope's influence and reform of the Vatican. US Vice President , who , took to X and said: "I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis.

"My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I'll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of . It was really quite beautiful."

UK Prime Minister described the Argentinian as "a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten".

He said: "His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was often courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.

"Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost the faith-fuelled hope of a better world. That hope was as the heart of his papacy.

"His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church's teachings of mercy and charity.

"With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs. My thoughts are with Catholics here in the UK and across the world. May His Holiness rest in peace."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: "Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis.

"He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate. My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss.

"May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis' legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world."

King Charles, who met with the Pop earlier this month : "My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis.

"Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.

"His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others."

The Pope had previously been critical of the US administration, condemning their policy on migration and pledge of .

He was also outspoken on President , telling Italian TV, hours before his inauguration: "This won't do! This is not the way to solve things. That's not how things are resolved."

In his Easter message, delivered yesterday by an aide, the Pope accused some countries of "stirring up contempt" towards migrants and the most vulnerable in society.

He said: "How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalised, and migrants," without mentioning the United States directly.