WANA (Apr 21) – Following the death of Pope Francis, excerpts from the message of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, to the Pope can be read below:

 

“If Jesus (peace be upon him) were among us today, he would not waste a moment in fighting against the tyrants and the global arrogant powers. He would never tolerate the hunger and displacement of billions of people who are being exploited and driven toward war, corruption, and conflict by the great powers.

 

Today, the followers of that great prophet — Christians and Muslims — must turn to the teachings and path of the prophets in order to establish a just global order and promote human virtues based on the guidance of those teachers of humanity.

 

Following Jesus (peace be upon him) requires supporting the truth and expressing aversion toward powers that oppose it. It is hoped that Christians and Muslims, in every corner of the world, will keep this great lesson of Jesus (pbuh) alive in both their lives and actions.”

 

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.

 

In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei 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.