Statement from Ayatollah Sistani’s Office on the Passing of Pope Francis
Office of Ayatollah Sistani Issues Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis
According to a report by the English section of Webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Waa News Agency, the office of Ayatollah Sistani has issued a statement on the passing of Pope Francis.
The statement reads: “With profound sorrow, we received the news of the passing of pope Francis, the Vatican Pontiff, who held a lofty spiritual status among many people worldwide and was universally respected.”
The statement references Pope Francis’ historic meeting with Iraq’s highest religious authority in Najaf Ashraf, noting: “This historic meeting, which brought together Pope Francis and the highest religious authority in Najaf, held great significance in emphasizing both sides’ commitment to faith as a fundamental role.”
The office of Iraq’s esteemed religious authority stressed “the necessity for collective efforts to strengthen a culture of peaceful coexistence, reject violence and hatred, and solidify values of harmony and empathy among people—based on upholding mutual rights and respect among followers of religions and diverse intellectual orientations.”
The office further stated that Grand Ayatollah Sistani extended condolences over this painful loss to Catholic Christians while praying for their patience as well as divine mercy, blessings, peace for them—and all humanity.
