When did Whoopi Goldberg meet Pope Francis? Actor pays tribute to the late Pope with a heartfelt post comparing him to Pope John the 23rd 

American actor and comedian Whoopi Goldberg paid tribute to Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025, following the announcement of his death. The Sister Act star said that the late Pope "felt like Pope John the 23rd." She drew comparisons between the two pontiffs—Pope John XXIII and Pope Francis—saying that they "made belief real." Whoopi Goldberg took to Instagram to share a picture with the Pope and her condolences.

"He was the closest one in a long time who seemed to remember that Christ's love enveloped believers and nonbelievers. He felt like Pope John the 23rd, who made belief real. Sail on, Pope Francis, with your love of humanity & Laughter," she said.

Whoopi Goldberg, who had met the Pope on more than one occasion, recounted one of her experiences in a video by The View posted on June 18, 2024. Goldberg was among 100 other comedians who met the Pope in June 2024.

In the video, she shared what the Pope had said to the group of comedians. She said:

"The Pope decided he wanted to tell us that what we did as humorists and comics was kind of wonderful and important."

Whoopi Goldberg's tribute was one among many from world leaders, celebrities, and public figures mourning the 266th head of the Catholic Church.

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More about Whoopi Goldberg's tribute to Pope Francis

According to an article by Entertainment Weekly from April 21, 2025, Goldberg also met him earlier in 2023. During her 2023 trip to Vatican City, she brought him memorabilia from the set of the Sister Act.

"I thought, I'm going to walk into this building and I'm going to burst into flames. I brought him some stuff from Sister Act that he asked for," she said.

Whoopi Goldberg's recollection of the late Pope resonated with many of her followers. Although private audiences with the Pope are uncommon, it is not unusual for celebrities, activists, and influential figures to receive invitations based on their humanitarian work or global influence.

Along with Whoopi Goldberg, there was an outpouring of condolences following the death of the late Pope on April 21, 2025. Several celebrities took to social media to pay their respects. Actor Ralph Fiennes, who starred in the Academy-nominated film "Conclave," also took to X to share condolences.

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More about Pope Francis

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. He was the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit to hold the papacy, and the first to adopt the name Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his care for the poor and humility.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis became known for his focus on social justice, climate action, and inclusivity. He often spoke out in defense of marginalized communities, including the economically disadvantaged and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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Funeral Arrangements and Global Tributes for Pope Francis

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis' funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10 AM in St Peter's Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

The Body Of Pope Francis Is Transferred To The Basilica St Peter To Lie In State - Source: Getty

The Pope's body was transferred to St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. It will lie in state until Friday evening, April 25, 2025, when the faithful can pay their respects.

Numerous dignitaries worldwide will attend the funeral Mass, including former US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Following the funeral, preparations will begin for the papal conclave, which is expected to convene between May 6 and May 12, 2025, to elect Pope Francis' successor.