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Today the world mourns Pope Francis, who became Pope in 2013, shortly after Benedict XVI's resignation. Since, he had met with millions of Catholics and notorious people from all over the world, among them, many celebrities and royals who've had the opportunity to meet the Pope and share some of their concerns with him.
Despite battling double pneumonia earlier this year, he appeared on Easter Sunday to deliver a final Urbi et Orbi blessing from the Vatican balcony, his frail hand raised over St. Peter’s Square in a last call for peace. That moving farewell caps a papacy known for headline‑making meetings with leaders from President Obama to celebrities, all aimed at building bridges and defending the vulnerable.
His passing leaves a large hole in global moral leadership, but his example of compassion and courage endures. Here is a look back at some of his most memorable encounters with influential leaders across the globe.
© WireImageQueen Elizabeth
The late Queen Elizabeth met Pope Francis in Vatican City. She traveled there with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, as they presented gifts to the Pope in 2014.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesAngelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie met Pope Francis in 2015, as a part of her work as an ambassador for the United Nations. She presented her film "Unbroken" to the Pope in a private screening,
© Getty ImagesLionel Messi
Pope Francis met various famous soccer players in 2013, exchanging gifts with Lionel Messi and Gianluigi Buffon, of Italy.
© Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesGeorge and Amal Clooney
George and Amal Clooney met the Pope in 2016, in a brief encounter where they shook hands and greeted each other
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos met Pope Francis in the summer of last year. Sanchez shared an Instagram post detailing the experience, sharing that the group discussed the importance of climate change, a topic that the Pope discussed with notorious personalities over the past.
"His wisdom, warmth, and humor were deeply touching. He reminded us not to take life too seriously, a simple yet powerful reminder to keep lightness in our hearts," wrote Sanchez.
