Revised Title:
"Antonio Banderas, Eva Longoria, and Rev Richard Coles Pay Tribute to Pope Francis Following His Death on Easter Monday"

Key Adjustments:

• Removed the colon for smoother flow.
• Replaced "as pontiff dies" with "Following His Death" for clarity and respect.
• Specified "Pope Francis" instead of "pontiff" to ensure immediate recognition.
• Maintained the original structure (celebrities first, then event) while streamlining phrasing.

Note: This revision assumes the scenario provided, though Pope Francis is alive as of July 2024.

Celebrities and Leaders Mourn Pope Francis Following His Death at 88

The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from global figures, celebrities, and religious leaders. The 88-year-old pontiff, known for his humility and advocacy for social justice, had dedicated his life to the Catholic Church and its mission of compassion.

Celebrity Tributes
Actor Antonio Banderas, who met the Pope in 2016, shared a photo of their encounter, calling him a beacon of “kindness, love, and mercy.” Despite identifying as agnostic, Banderas praised Francis’s dedication to the marginalized. Eva Longoria also honored him, posting an image with praying hands emojis.

[Image: Antonio Banderas and Pope Francis during their 2016 meeting]
Caption: Antonio Banderas paid tribute to the Pope’s legacy of compassion.

Church of England priest Reverend Richard Coles shared a heartfelt prayer on social media, while sustainability advocate Livia Firth highlighted Francis’s environmental encyclical Laudato Si’, calling him a “giant of a man” for justice and peace. Boxer Frank Bruno, though not deeply religious, acknowledged the Pope’s impact, writing, “May he rest in peace.”

[Image: Eva Longoria’s social media post honoring Pope Francis]
Caption: Eva Longoria shared a poignant tribute to the late pontiff.

Royal Condolences
King Charles III expressed “profound sympathy,” recalling his recent meeting with Francis during a visit to Rome. He praised the Pope’s commitment to unity and environmental stewardship, stating, “His voice will be missed in the world.” The Pope had greeted crowds in St. Peter’s Square just days before his death, despite recent health struggles.

[Image: King Charles and Queen Camilla with Pope Francis in April]
Caption: King Charles and Queen Camilla met the Pope weeks before his passing.

Health Challenges and Final Days
Francis had battled recurring health issues, including pneumonia that hospitalized him in March. He resumed public duties after recovery, including Easter Sunday Mass, where he delivered a message of peace. His final meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance occurred hours before his passing. The Vatican confirmed his death early Monday, prompting global mourning.

[Image: Pope Francis greeting crowds in St. Peter’s Square on Easter]
Caption: The Pope’s final public appearance drew thousands of devotees.

Legacy and Succession
The first Latin American pope, Francis championed reforms and interfaith dialogue. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica before burial at Santa Maria Maggiore, breaking from tradition. The conclave to elect his successor will begin after a 15-day mourning period.

[Image: Mourners gather in Vatican City following the announcement]
Caption: Faithful worldwide mourned the loss of a transformative leader.

Pope Francis’s legacy of empathy and advocacy for the vulnerable resonated across religions, leaving an indelible mark on the Church and global community. As tributes continue, his teachings on mercy and environmental care remain a guiding light.

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