World Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis: A Legacy of Peace, Justice, and Faith

Watan-Several countries have expressed condolences following the death of Pope Francis, who the Vatican announced passed away on Monday at the age of 88, after suffering from the complications of severe pneumonia. This came just a day after his appearance in St. Peter’s Square, where he looked weak but smiled, greeting thousands of worshippers during the Easter holiday.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas confirmed on Monday that Pope Francis was “a loyal friend to the Palestinian people,” as reported by the official Palestinian news agency (WAFA).

In a statement published by WAFA, Abbas said the Pope was “a strong advocate for the values of peace, love, and faith across the world… he recognized the State of Palestine and raised the Palestinian flag in the Vatican.” He offered his condolences upon the Pope’s passing.

Hamas Offers Condolences on Pope Francis’ Death, Praises His Stance on Peace and Justice.

The Hamas movement also offered its condolences to the global Catholic Church and all Christians following the death of Pope Francis.

In a statement, Hamas expressed its “deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Catholic Church worldwide and all Christians” over the death of Pope Francis, the Pope of the Vatican, who passed away after a long career dedicated to the service of human and religious values.

The movement praised Pope Francis’s stances on “promoting interfaith dialogue, advocating for understanding and peace between peoples, and rejecting hatred and racism.”

Hamas also referred to his numerous statements condemning “aggressions and wars around the world,” highlighting that he was among the prominent religious voices who condemned the war crimes and genocide being committed against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The movement underscored the Pope’s “moral and humanitarian stances” and emphasized the importance of “continuing joint efforts between the followers of Abrahamic faiths and those with a living conscience to confront injustice and colonialism, and to support the causes of justice, freedom, and the rights of oppressed peoples.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, expressed his sadness at the passing of Pope Francis.

UN, Israeli President, and Global Leaders Mourn Pope Francis, Praise His Advocacy for Peace

In a statement posted by UNRWA on its Facebook page, Lazzarini said, “His voice helped draw attention to the severe dehumanization in the war in Gaza and beyond.” He noted, “His support for calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages was consistent and unwavering.”

Lazzarini added, “It was an honor to meet Pope Francis. I am deeply grateful for his support and for the Holy See’s backing of Palestinian refugees and UNRWA.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his sadness on platform X, writing that the late Pope was “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion, who dedicated his life to supporting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world.”

Interestingly, the Israeli president remarked that Pope Francis was a man of deep faith and peace who worked to enhance relations with the Jewish world, despite the Pope’s criticism of Israel on several occasions.

He added, “I sincerely hope that his calls for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of hostages (in Gaza) will be answered soon.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that Pope Francis was “an ambassador of hope, humility, and humanity.”

In a statement, Guterres said, “Pope Francis was a prominent voice for peace, human dignity, and social justice. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and compassion for all, especially for the marginalized or those trapped by the horrors of war,” adding that the Pope “was a religious leader for all faiths.”

The White House also offered condolences upon the death of Pope Francis. The U.S. presidency wrote on platform X, “Rest in peace, Pope Francis,” accompanied by images of the Pope meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on separate occasions.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Pope Francis had always sided with the weak throughout his papacy, doing so with great humility. He added to reporters, “In these times marked by the voices of war and brutality, he felt for others, especially for the most vulnerable.”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun mourned the death of Pope Francis, considering that Lebanon had lost “a dear friend and a strong advocate.”

In a statement, Aoun said, “In Lebanon, the land of diversity, we feel the loss of a dear friend and a strong supporter,” noting that the Pope had “carried Lebanon in his heart and prayers, and always called for the world to support Lebanon in its trials. We will never forget his repeated calls to protect Lebanon and preserve its identity and diversity.”

He saw his passing as “a loss for humanity as a whole, as he was a strong voice for justice and peace, an advocate for the poor and marginalized, and a proponent of interfaith and intercultural dialogue.”

King Abdullah II Mourns Pope Francis, Hails Him as a Man of Peace and Humility.

Jordanian King Abdullah II also mourned the Pope, saying, “A man of peace who won the love of the people for his kindness, humility, and tireless work to bring everyone together.”

King Abdullah, in a tweet posted on platform X, wrote, “My deepest condolences to Christian brothers and sisters worldwide on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.”

Pope Francis passed away in Rome on Easter Monday, after a long period of suffering from severe pneumonia. This came just after his appearance on Easter Sunday, where he appeared weak yet smiling, surrounded by thousands of worshippers in St. Peter’s Square for the Christian Easter celebrations.

The leader of the Catholic Church had been struggling with the aftereffects of pneumonia for over two months. Though he had widespread popularity among his followers worldwide, he faced fierce opposition from some, particularly within the Church, due to reforms he had advocated or implemented.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, in a statement published by the Vatican through its Telegram channel, said, “This morning at 07:35, Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. He devoted his entire life to the service of the Lord and the Church.”

Pope Francis’ Health Struggles and Legacy: A Final Goodbye After 12 Years of Service.

The Argentine-born Pope was transferred to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 due to pneumonia. The Vatican announced at the time that his condition was “critical.” He left the hospital on March 23 after 38 days of treatment, the longest hospital stay of his papacy.

On Sunday, he made his final appearance in St. Peter’s Square in his “Pope Mobile,” visibly tired, and was only able to say a few words, with one of his aides reading his prepared text to the faithful.

Despite his health declining, Pope Francis insisted on maintaining a busy schedule, following his doctor’s warnings. He had been suffering from hip problems, knee pain, and had undergone surgeries. He also battled respiratory infections and used a hearing aid.

The Vatican’s constitution mandates nine days of official mourning for the Pope, with a window of 15 to 20 days for organizing a conclave in which cardinals elected by Pope Francis himself (80% of the electors) will choose the new pope. During this time, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, will serve as the interim “Camerlengo” of the Roman Catholic Church, temporarily overseeing the Holy See’s affairs.

In late 2023, Pope Francis revealed his wish to be buried at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in central Rome, rather than in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica, which would be a first in over three centuries.

In November, the Vatican issued simplified rituals for papal funerals, including using a simple wooden and zinc coffin instead of the three nested caskets made of cedar, lead, and oak.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, the first Jesuit Pope and the first South American to hold the position, Pope Francis relentlessly defended migrants, the environment, and social justice without altering the Church’s doctrines on issues like abortion or priestly celibacy.