U.S. leaders from both parties honor Pope Francis' legacy, expressing admiration for his compassion and global influence.

The U.S. flag flies at half-staff near the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on April 21, 2025, in honor of Pope Francis. Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on Monday, U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden stood at the forefront of a wave of tributes from across the United States, honoring the pontiff’s legacy of humility, compassion, and spiritual leadership. Despite stark political differences and complex relationships with the late pope during his lifetime, both leaders recognized Francis as a transformative figure whose reach extended far beyond the walls of the Vatican.

Trump, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, announced that he and First Lady Melania Trump would travel to Rome to attend the funeral, the date of which had not yet been confirmed as of Monday evening. Meanwhile, Biden, the second Roman Catholic president in American history, called Pope Francis “one of the most consequential leaders of our time,” noting the personal impact their meetings had on his own faith and leadership.

Trump to attend funeral, orders flags at half-staff

In a statement shared on his social media platform, Trump wrote, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” The president, who often had a strained rapport with Francis on issues such as immigration, climate change, and global inequality, nevertheless described the pope as “a good man” during an Easter event at the White House. Trump added, “He worked hard and loved the world.”

In an official gesture of respect, Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and all federal buildings worldwide. Though it remains unclear whether his upcoming Rome visit will be tied to his previously discussed travel plans with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the president made it clear he intends to pay his respects in person.

Biden calls Pope Francis a spiritual and global leader

President Biden, a devout Catholic, shared his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), posting a photo of himself with the late pope and expressing admiration for Francis’ life of service.

“Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time,” Biden wrote. “I am better for having known him.”

The current president has met Pope Francis multiple times during his presidency and vice presidency. Their most recent high-profile meeting took place at the Vatican in 2021, during which the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including poverty, climate change, and the importance of social justice.

Biden has often praised Francis for his progressive tone and inclusive approach to global issues, setting him apart from some of his more conservative predecessors in the Church.

Bipartisan response from congressional leaders

Tributes to the late pontiff were not limited to the White House. Leading figures from both major U.S. political parties shared statements reflecting on Pope Francis’ moral leadership and his commitment to the marginalized.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a senior Democratic senator from New York, said in a statement, “His compassion and love for the less fortunate defined his papacy. He was a beacon of light and hope against the darkness. My prayers are with the billions of people mourning his loss today.”

Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, also paid homage to Francis’ 2015 visit to Congress, calling it a “triumphant, bipartisan” moment in American political history. Jeffries praised the pope’s ability to transcend partisanship, noting that “he humbly served the poor and called all of us to act with greater compassion.”

Rubio, Harris, and others honor the pope’s spiritual legacy

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a practicing Catholic and prominent Republican, expressed sadness over the pope’s death, writing, “We unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff’s soul and for this period of transition for the Catholic Church.”

Former vice president Kamala Harris also added her voice to the chorus of tributes, calling Pope Francis “a visionary leader who dedicated his life to service and justice.” Harris, who lost to Trump in the 2024 presidential election, emphasized the pope’s environmental advocacy and inclusive vision for the Church.

“He encouraged us to protect our planet, championed a more inclusive church, and cared for all of God’s children — especially the most vulnerable among us,” Harris posted on X.

A legacy that reached across borders and ideologies

Though Donald Trump and Pope Francis clashed during their respective tenures, with the pope questioning Trump's stance on immigration and border walls, Monday’s tribute revealed a more reflective tone. Trump's statement and decision to attend the funeral marked a shift from past tensions, signaling recognition of the pope's broader significance as a world leader and moral compass.

For Joe Biden, the loss is deeply personal. As the only Catholic U.S. president since John F. Kennedy, Biden often referenced Pope Francis’ teachings and perspectives in speeches, particularly when addressing climate change, social justice, and income inequality.

Together, the tributes from Trump and Biden underscore the unique position Pope Francis held in American political and religious life — as a figure respected across ideological divides and admired for his sincerity and humility.

Global impact of a spiritual leader remembered in the U.S.

As the Catholic Church prepares for a period of mourning and transition, leaders in the United States continue to reflect on the global influence Pope Francis wielded during his more than decade-long papacy. From championing interfaith dialogue and environmental protection to advocating for the rights of refugees and the poor, his message resonated far beyond the walls of St. Peter’s Basilica.

In many ways, the responses from U.S. political figures illustrate just how far Pope Francis’ influence reached — into the halls of American power, across political lines, and into the hearts of millions of believers and non-believers alike.

While his funeral details remain forthcoming, one thing is certain: Pope Francis’ memory and moral leadership have left a profound imprint on the American consciousness. As leaders from across the political spectrum continue to honor his legacy, the shared tone of reverence and respect speaks volumes about the kind of leader he was — one who transcended politics, borders, and division.