Celebrities honor Pope Francis

Celebrities from all backgrounds and walks of life offered tributes and shared memories of their experiences with Pope Francis after his death on April 21 at the age of 88.

Actor Jimmy Fallon, who was raised Catholic, shared a happy memory of when he and other comedians met Pope Francis last year.

"It was an honor meeting Pope Francis last summer. I’m glad I made you laugh. Thank you for your encouraging words. Rest in peace," said Fallon, along with a photo of the two smiling at each other.

Whoopi Goldberg, who met Pope Francis the same time as Fallon, also shared memories of that encounter.

"He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and [non] believer," wrote the Sister Act star.

Actress Eva Longoria shared several images of her with Pope Francis on her Instagram account.

"Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered," she wrote.

Singer Billy Joel, who is not Catholic, recalled having to reschedule one of his shows at Madison Square Garden to free up the arena for Pope Francis to celebrate Mass during his Papal Visit.

Joel then got to meet Pope Francis in 2023.

"We were greeted with such warmth and hospitality when we visited Rome and the Vatican in 2023. Being backstage at the Vatican was an unforgettable experience like no other," wrote Joel in a post on Instagram.

"Everyone who worked with the Pope spoke of how humble and loving he was to his core. He was a Pope of the people, and may God rest his soul," he said.

Actor Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus Christ in the television show The Chosen, shared on his Instagram page that he met Pope Francis twice, "something for which I will ever be profoundly grateful."

"His humility, his kindness and his gentleness were the marks of his pontificate for me; traits that I endeavor to embody in my own life, especially in my encounters with people," he said.

Televangelist Rev. Franklin Graham, the son of evangelist Billy Graham, recounted meeting Pope Francis last year.

"Pope Francis passed away this morning after battling health issues. He was able to have meetings and appear at some of the Vatican’s Holy Week observances in just the last couple of days," Graham wrote on his Facebook page, along with a picture of him shaking hands with Pope Francis.

Graham continued, "I had the opportunity to meet and talk with him last year when I went to Naples to preach. Pray for the Catholic Church as they begin the process of selecting the next pope."

Many figures in sports also mourned Pope Francis.

San Lorenzo, Pope Francis' hometown soccer team, shared pictures of him holding the club's jersey. Pope Francis had been a member of the club, said the team. Fans lit candles in his honor.

"The pope leaves an unbreakable legacy," San Lorenzo Club President Marcelo Moretti told Reuters. "For all San Lorenzo fans, he was a source of great pride. It is a very sad day."

San Lorenzo will wear a special jersey honoring Pope Francis at their match on Saturday, the day of his funeral, reported Reuters.

Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali described Pope Francis as a person with "a gaze that transmitted peace."

"You could see from far away his extraordinary humanity and his spiritual strength," Domenicali wrote in a statement shared across social media.

He continued, "Pope Francis was an authentic example of dialogue, kindness and mercy. He leaves behind a profound legacy that will remain with us all forever. We will miss his smile, so true and deep."

The New Orleans Saints, an NFL team who had an amusing connection to Pope Francis, offered a simple tribute.

"Our sincere prayers and thoughts on the passing of Pope Francis," the team wrote on X.