Malayalam film icon Mammootty paid heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, mourning the pontiff’s passing as a profound loss to humanity. Sharing his grief via social media, Mammootty remarked that the world has been bereft of a rare and noble spirit—one whose steadfast advocacy for human dignity will echo through generations.

Joining the wave of condolences, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reflected on the Pope’s enduring legacy. He described Pope Francis as a towering figure whose life—both personal and pastoral—was wholly devoted to promoting universal love and global harmony.

Pope Francis breathed his last while recuperating from a bout of bronchitis. Just recently, on March 23, he had been discharged after a prolonged 35-day stay in hospital. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he addressed thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

In what would be his last Easter message, the Pope made a fervent plea for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He voiced solidarity with the suffering in Palestine and Israel, urging the global community to act swiftly in aid of a starving population.