WANA (Apr 21) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian extended his condolences to Catholics around the world following the death of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the global Catholic community.

 

The text of the President’s message is as follows:

 

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

With sorrow, I express my condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the world’s Catholics, to all Catholic Christians worldwide, his followers, and those who loved him.

 

Pope Francis, as the leader of the Catholics, dedicated his invaluable life to spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ (PBUH), especially peace, justice, and freedom, fostering interfaith dialogue, and striving for global peace, friendship, and security. He made effective and lasting efforts in this regard.

 

Among the highlights of his life and leadership were his humanitarian stances against inhumane actions in the world, particularly his clear stance and condemnation of the genocide carried out by the Israeli regime in Gaza, and his call for an end to the killing of innocent Palestinian women and children. His name and memory will forever remain alive in the hearts of all conscious and freedom-loving people around the world.

 

On behalf of the Iranian people, who have always been at the forefront of establishing global peace and security, as well as dialogue and solidarity between religions, I honor his memory and, following Islamic tradition, ask God to grant the soul of this religious leader His boundless mercy and eternal peace.

 

Masoud Pezeshkian

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran

 

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Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. He had recently been hospitalized due to respiratory issues and pneumonia, and according to the Vatican, was undergoing a period of recovery. However, Vatican officials confirmed his death earlier today.

 

The announcement was made by the Vatican’s Director of Financial and Administrative Affairs, who stated that the Pope passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time.

 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also extended condolences during his press briefing. He expressed sympathy to Christians worldwide and to followers of all monotheistic faiths, and prayed for peace for the late Pope.