Pope Francis has been praised for a legacy of inspiring "generations of environmentalists around the world" and as a "beacon of humility, compassion, and courage" by the stars he met including Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Michelle Yeoh.
The 88-year-old pontiff died on Easter Monday after a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican said.
His funeral will take place on Saturday.
On Instagram, The Revenant and Titanic star DiCaprio called Pope Francis "a transformational leader - not only for the Catholic Church, but also for environmental reform and activism".
He also recalled the pontiff appearing in his 2016 climate change documentary Before the Flood, which he called "enlightening, deeply moving and thought provoking".
DiCaprio added: "Pope Francis was one of the most extraordinary spiritual leaders of our time. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of environmentalists around the world. May he rest in peace."
Everything Everywhere All at Once star and United Nations Development Programme Ambassador Yeoh wrote on Instagram: "Pope Francis was a beacon of humility, compassion, and courage. Never afraid to speak up for the most vulnerable, and always reminding us to walk with grace and kindness.
"I will forever remember his warmth and his unwavering support for our UN road safety efforts.
"His compassion truly moved the world. May his spirit live on in every act of love we give to others. Rest in peace, Holy Father."
Other celebrities including Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, Rocky actor Sylvester Stallone, and the singer and actress Gloria Estefan also paid tribute.
In her tribute on Instagram, Estefan wrote: "Rest in peace and power, Pope Francis, you opened hearts and minds and were fearless in your guidance."
"Thank you for putting love first until your last moments on this earth," she added.
Stallone, who met Pope Francis along with Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese in September 2023 in an audience of public figures, wrote that he was a "wonderful, wonderful man".
Longoria thanked him "for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalised".
"Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered," said the actress, who shared images of her meeting the South American pope.
Pope Francis's papacy emphasised the defence of the environment and partial openness to LGBTQ+ rights, and he was praised globally for his strong advocacy for the poor and marginalised.
Source: Press Association
