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: “We received with profound sorrow 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 referenced Pope Francis’ historic meeting with the supreme religious authority in Najaf Ashraf, noting: “This historic meeting, which brought together Pope Francis and the highest religious authority in Najaf, held great importance in emphasizing both sides’ commitment to faith as a fundamental role.”
The office of the esteemed religious authority stressed the necessity for collective efforts to strengthen a culture of peaceful coexistence,avoid violence and hatred,and reinforce values of harmony and empathy among people—based on upholding mutual rights and respect among followers of religions and diverse intellectual inclinations.
The office of Grand Ayatollah Sistani stated that while offering condolences for this painful loss to Catholic Christians, he prays for their patience as well as divine mercy, blessings, peace upon them—and all humanity.
