Leonardo DiCaprio has paid tribute to Pope Francis in a heartfelt post on Instagram and branded him as “one of the most extraordinary spiritual leaders.”
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, according to the Vatican.
The actor has now referred to the Pope as “a transformational leader – not only for the Catholic Church, but also for environmental reform and activism.”
The Titanic star recalled when the late Pope appeared in his 2016 climate change documentary Before the Flood, which he called “enlightening, deeply moving and thought provoking.”
“Pope Francis expanded upon Laudato Si’ with the publication of Laudate Deum: Apostolic Exhortation on the Climate Crisis.”
“In it, he renewed his call for immediate and decisive climate action, reminding us that “we are part of Nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it,” and that we must not view the world from the outside, but from within.”
“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,” he concluded.
Soon after this, actress and United Nations Development Programme Ambassador Michelle Yeoh posted a photo of her shaking Pope Francis’ hand, and wrote: “Pope Francis was a beacon of humility, compassion, and courage.”
“Never afraid to speak up for the most vulnerable, and always reminding us to walk with grace and kindness. I will forever remember his warmth and his unwavering support for our UN road safety efforts.”
“His compassion truly moved the world. May his spirit live on in every act of love we give to others. Rest in peace, Holy Father.”
According to Italian daily La Repubblica, the Pope’s cause of death may have been linked to a brain issue.
The outlet also reported that his death did not seem to be related to the respiratory issues that led to the Catholic Church leader’s hospitalisation earlier this year.
The article quoted anonymous medical staff at the Gemelli hospital, where the pope had treatment from February to March, as saying: “The Pope died peacefully.”
Following his original diagnosis of bronchitis, Pope Francis was brought to the hospital on February 14, and it was later discovered that he had been diagnosed with dual pneumonia.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the leader of the Pope’s medical team, claims that the pope experienced two serious health crises between late February and early March.
Regarding the pope’s second medical crisis, Dr. Alfieri told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera in late March: “That evening was terrible. He knew, like us, that he might not survive the night. We saw the man who was suffering.”
Despite his delicate health state, Pope Francis performed a number of tasks during the last few days, taking to the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Easter Sunday.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of 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.”
