Shafaqna English- In a press statement, the Al-Khoei Foundation expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, paying tribute to his enduring legacy of humility, compassion, and interfaith dialogue.
According to Shafaqna, the full text of Al-Khoei Foundation message of condolence is as follow:
Al-Khoei Foundation Offers Condolences on the Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis
On behalf of the Al-Khoei Foundation and Shia Muslim communities worldwide, it is with profound sense of sorrow and sadness that we extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the Roman Catholic Church and the Catholic communities around the globe on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Pope Francis was a beacon of hope in a time of uncertainty. His legacy transcends religious boundaries and his time on earth was anchored in virtue, sincere humility, and compassion towards people of all faiths – and none. He emphasised the dignity of every human being, a message echoed most recently in his final sermon on Easter Sunday, where he called for peace in the Middle East. His legacy will be one that is cherished and honoured in all quarters of the world.
Al-Khoei Foundation has always recognised the vital importance of interfaith cooperation and takes pride in its historic relationship with the Catholic Church since the times of His Holiness the late Pope John Paul II. The Foundation was privileged to have met His Holiness Pope Francis on various occasions, discussing inter-religious dialogue and other global issues through the lens of faith.
These exchanges were symbolic of the warm relations between our communities, and a testament to the mutual respect that has grown
between our institutions. Pope Francis built upon that foundation with integrity, wisdom, and openheartedness, deepening the bonds between Muslims and Christians across the world.
Among the many historic moments of his papacy, we particularly recall with admiration his landmark visit to the holy city of Najaf, Iraq, in March 2021, and meeting with the supreme Shia Muslim leader, His Eminence the Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Al-Sistani.
That meeting marked an unprecedented step in Muslim-Christian dialogue, affirming the shared values of our Abrahamic faiths and highlighting the essential role that religious leadership plays in promoting mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. It was a powerful message of unity and understanding at a time when sectarian conflict and cultural division threatened to tear the social fabric of many societies.
In this moment of mourning, we renew our commitment to the ideals that His Holiness championed throughout his life: the pursuit of peace, care for the marginalised, stewardship of the planet, and above all, the building of bridges across faiths and cultures. We believe that in these challenging and uncertain
times, it is incumbent upon all faith leaders to carry forward the torch he has passed – to stand together in our common humanity and to speak out with courage for justice and reconciliation.
May his soul rest in peace, and may God grant solace and strength to all those who followed in his example.
Al-Khoei Foundation