Patti Smith and more react to the death of Pope Francis: “Nature and poetry and the suffering shall miss their champion”

Taking to social media after the news broke, Whoopi Goldberg wrote: “He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ's love enveloped believer and none believer"

The entertainment world has been reacting to news of Pope Francis’ death.

The pontiff, who became pope in 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI resigned, has died aged 88, the Vatican announced today (April 21). As was detailed in a statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell released by the Vatican, the pope passed away at 7:35am this morning.

“The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” it read. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Francis was largely considered the most progressive pope to date, and had fans in several high-profile artists, with the likes of Martin Scorsese, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Bono, Leonardo DiCaprio and Angelina Jolie attending papal audiences with him over the years.

Famously, in 2014, the pontiff personally invited Patti Smith to perform at the Vatican’s Christmas concert, where to much controversy she sang ‘O Holy Night’ backed by the Vatican orchestra.

Smith’s booking evoked a mixed response from Christian groups, with Catholic organisation Portosalvo describing the decision as “blasphemous”, following the singer’s 1975 song ‘Gloria’, which famously featured the lines: “Jesus died for somebody’s sins, but not mine”.

She has since responded to news of his death, sharing a poem on Instagram in his memory. “Farewell dear Pope Francis/Nature and poetry and the suffering shall miss
their champion.”

Check out the poem in full, as well as more entertainment world reactions, below.

Dubbed the “People’s Pope” for his more inclusive stance on marginalised communities, his last address to the public yesterday (April 20) called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Francis, who had a portion of one lung removed when he was younger, was hospitalised back in February with bronchitis, which led to double pneumonia and several respiratory issues.

He spent nearly 40 days there, the longest hospitalisation of his 12-year papacy, but was released in late March. Despite an ongoing period of ill health, on Easter Sunday yesterday, Francis came out to bless thousands of people on St. Peter’s Square.

It is estimated that 1.4billion Catholics around the world will mourn Francis’ passing.

This is a developing story