U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed condolences over the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II. The corresponding statement was released on March 19.

“We mourn the passing of His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II, and extend our sincere condolences to the people of Georgia, as well as to all the faithful of the Georgian Orthodox Church. His spiritual leadership and legacy will be remembered by many generations. May he rest in peace,” the condolence message reads.

A stream of people attended the civil memorial service for Ilia II at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi on March 19, 2026.

Following the passing of Ilia II, condolences continue to be expressed by the primates of autocephalous Orthodox Churches, religious leaders, and international political figures.