Pope Francis died on Monday morning, the Vatican announced, just hours after his last public appearance. The head of the Catholic Church’s death comes 12 years after he was appointed pope, and will now prompt a period of mourning among the faithful and voting within the Sistine Chapel to declare the next religious leader.

As the world absorbs the news of this monumental loss, figures from all walks of life have come forward to express their sorrow—including our champ Rafael Nadal.

Rafa’s Message: “Today is a sad day”

A few hours after the Vatican’s announcement, Rafa posted a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Hoy es un día triste. Me gustaría expresar mis más sinceras condolencias por el fallecimiento del Papa Francisco. Descanse en paz.”
(“Today is a sad day. I would like to express my deepest condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. Rest in peace.”)

Rafa, known not only for his legendary achievements on court but also for his grounded and respectful demeanor, joined countless others in honoring the memory of a pope who touched the hearts of millions.

From Buenos Aires to the Vatican: A Humble Rise

Pope Francis’ life took him from a modest upbringing in Buenos Aires to lead the Roman Catholic Church as the first Jesuit pontiff and the first from Latin America.

Across his 12 years as pope, Francis consistently elevated the causes of migrants and the disenfranchised, and pushed the Church to more forcefully confront its own history of scandal.

His efforts to make the Church more inclusive were welcomed by his supporters and many Catholics, but some conservatives pushed back as he veered from traditional teachings. Still, Pope Francis remained firm in his belief that the Church must be a place of mercy, not judgment.

Final Blessing: A Farewell on Easter Sunday

Pope Francis last appeared in public yesterday, when he blessed tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for Easter Mass. From a wheelchair on a balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica, he waved and wished the crowd a “happy Easter.”