Pope Francis: Celebrities Whoopi Goldberg, Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe pay tribute to late Pontiff

Some of Hollywood’s most famous faces have paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death with many reflecting on the touching moments they met the leader and his “love of humanity and laughter”.

The Catholic world was plunged into mourning after the Pontiff passed away on Easter Monday morning aged 88 following a stint of ill health, including a battle with double pneumonia and bronchitis.

Among the politicians and religious paying tribute to the Pope was a slew of celebrities taking to social media to share their grief, memories and praise for him.

Whoopi Goldberg shared a photo of herself with the Pope as she praised his “love of humanity and laughter”.

She wrote on Instagram: “He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and non believer.

He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances with your love of humanity + Laughter.“

Leonardo DiCaprio thanked him for been a “transformational leader”, not only for the Catholic Church, but also for environmental activism.

During the filming of DiCaprio’s documentary Before the Flood in 2016, he sat down with the Pope to talk about the need to address climate change.

“That experience was enlightening, deeply moving and thought provoking,” he said.

“Pope Francis was one of the most extraordinary spiritual leaders of our time. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of environmentalists around the world. May he rest in peace.”

Martin Scorsese, who has tackled Catholic faith in several of his films, called Pope Francis, “in every way, a remarkable human being” in a statement to Variety.

“He acknowledged his own failings. He radiated wisdom. He radiated goodness. He had an ironclad commitment to the good. He knew in his soul that ignorance was a terrible plague on humanity. So he never stopped learning. And he never stopped enlightening. And, he embraced, preached and practised forgiveness. Universal and constant forgiveness.”

“The loss for me runs deep — I was lucky enough to know him, and I will miss his presence and his warmth,” the director continued. “The loss for the world is immense. But he left a light behind, and it can never be extinguished.”

Oscar-nominated actor Toni Collette added a death announcement to her Instagram story with the caption “he was a good one”.

She followed it with a prominent Pope quote: “Be the first to seek to bring good, do not grow accustomed to evil, but defeat it.”

Comedian Jimmy Fallon posted on X a photo of him greeting the Pope at the Vatican during a visit in June of last year.

“It was an honour meeting Pope Francis last summer,” the Tonight Show host said. “I’m glad I made you laugh. Thank you for your encouraging words. Rest in peace.”

And the fashion designer Donatella Versace said on Instagram: “Rest In Peace His Holiness Pope Francis.”

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas also paid tribute to the late Pontiff.

He shared a photo of them shaking hands and wrote: “Pope Francis has died - a man who at the head of the Catholic Church showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people. @franciscus #RIP.“

Eva Longoria simply shared a photo of the Pope waving alongside a prayer emoji, while Russell Crowe, who met the Pope in 2014, shared a photo of the Rome skyline.

He tweeted: “A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful.”

Adjoa Andoh described the pope’s death as a big “loss”.

The Bridgerton actress posted on Instagram: “RIP Pope Francis. Within the constraints of his tradition, manifestly compassionate and standing with the marginalised.“

“What a loss.”

The Pope was last seen in public on Easter Sunday when he appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica in a wheelchair, telling the crowds: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,” before being driven around the square in his popemobile.

However, his annual Easter address was delivered by a member of the clergy.

The Vatican broke the news of his death on Monday.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

“At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. 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.”