The world is mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88, leaving behind an enduring legacy of humility, compassion, and unwavering advocacy for peace and interreligious harmony.
Pope Francis greets cardinals as he unexpectedly appears during the Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 13, 2025. Reuters/Yara Nardi
The world is mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88, leaving behind an enduring legacy of humility, compassion, and unwavering advocacy for peace and interreligious harmony.
Leaders and communities across the globe have expressed profound sorrow, celebrating the pontiff’s remarkable contributions to humanity.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid tribute to the late pope on X, describing him as a “respected statesman” who prioritized dialogue among diverse religious groups.
Erdogan, whose predominantly Sunni Muslim nation welcomed Pope Francis in November 2014, lauded the pontiff’s commitment to addressing humanitarian crises, particularly his vocal support for the Palestinian cause in Gaza.
Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church expressed deep sorrow, hailing Pope Francis as “a true example of Christian humility.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi echoed this sentiment, calling the pope’s death “a profound loss for the entire world” in a statement from the presidency. Sisi praised Pope Francis as an exceptional global figure who “worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and foster dialogue” and was a steadfast advocate for Palestinian rights, calling for an end to the conflict.
In Iran, a Muslim-majority nation, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaïl Baghaï offered condolences to Christians worldwide during a press briefing.
Baghaï prayed for the eternal peace of Pope Francis, reflecting the pontiff’s ability to inspire goodwill across complex geopolitical landscapes.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog joined the tributes, describing Pope Francis as “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion.” Herzog highlighted the pope’s dedication to strengthening ties with the Jewish community and promoting interreligious dialogue as a pathway to mutual understanding and respect, cementing his role as a bridge-builder in a divided world.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas mourned the loss of “a faithful friend of the Palestinian people,” as reported by the official Wafa news agency. Abbas noted that Pope Francis had recognized the State of Palestine and authorized the Palestinian flag to be raised at the Vatican, underscoring his solidarity with their cause.
In Jerusalem, the Latin Patriarchate announced a prayer Mass for Pope Francis to be held Wednesday morning at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site where Christian tradition holds Jesus was crucified and buried.
The head of Israel's domestic intelligence service said on Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bid to sack him followed his refusal to fulfil requests that included spying on Israeli protesters and disrupting the leader's corruption trial.
Israir, planning to launch its New York flights by Passover 2026, must now contend with both El Al’s entrenched market presence and Arkia’s head start in offering budget-friendly transatlantic options.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis describing him as a “distinguished humanitarian and dear friend.”
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