Opera singers are paying tribute to Pope Francis after the leader of the Catholic Church died on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.

The Vatican’s Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis, stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 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 of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. 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.”

The news came after the Pope had been experiencing health issues lately and was hospitalized in February with bronchitis. He eventually gave the Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday April 20, 2025.

Among the singers on social media to remember the Pope are Carmen Giannattasio and Eeonora Buratto. Buratto stated, “Pope Francis has died. In the moment of silence, I reflect on the name that was wanted to be given 12 years ago, at the beginning of His pontificate. In that name, Francesco, there were clues for a revolutionary mission. I join in the grief and emotion that millions of people are feeling.”

 

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Meanwhile, Giannattasio, who met the Pope, said, “Pope Francis taught us that faith can be a beacon of hope even in the darkest moments. As he said: ‘Death doesn’t have the final word.’ May his spirit continue to guide Humanity towards a more just and compassionate world. Rest in peace, Holy Father.”

 

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Placido Domingo shared a picture of himself and the Pope from 2016 and said, “Thank you for so much, Holy Father. RIP, welcome to the House of the Lord.”

 

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Soprano Aida Garifullina also met the Pope and posted a picture with the Late pontificate and said, “It was such a special morning in the Vatican. The meeting with Pope Francis took place early in the morning. During the Pandemic, but he was the only one not wearing a protective mask. I thought then: «How strong is the faith of a Man.» When I approached him, he had such kind eyes, he looked at me with some special tenderness, shook my hand, said words of gratitude for the support of the charitable foundation that the Vatican has been running for many years. And he gave me a rosary with a cross. Which I still keep.”

 

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Polish baritone Artur Ruciński also took to social media and said, “Pope Francis has died. Eternal rest grant him, Lord.”

 

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Several artists like Serena Gamberoni, Maria Agresta, David Portillo, Anita Rachvelishvili, and Celso Albelo posted stories that paid tribute to the Pope.