Bethnahrin National Council parties mourn the passing of pope Francis

VATICAN — Recognizing him as a global symbol of peace and justice, the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB) parties—including the Syriac Union Party (SUP) in Syria, the European Syriac Union (ESU), and the Bethnahrin Patriotic Union Party (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA)—have expressed their condolences over the passing of Pope Francis, the supreme leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. They described his death as a profound loss not only for the Catholic Church but also for the Syriac Christian community, which regarded him as a strong advocate for religious coexistence and human dignity.

In a statement, the SUP expressed deep sorrow over the Pope’s passing, emphasizing his humility, love, and unwavering advocacy for the oppressed and marginalized. The party highlighted his lifelong dedication to serving the Church and humanity, promoting messages of peace and justice across the globe. Syriac communities in Syria have particularly valued his calls for unity and protection of Christian heritage, seeing him as a leader who acknowledged their historical struggles.

The ESU also conveyed profound grief, noting that Pope Francis was not only a spiritual leader for Catholics but also a global moral voice who championed mercy, social justice, and environmental protection. The union remarked that his passing on the second day of Easter—a deeply symbolic time in Christian tradition—has left a lasting impact on believers worldwide. “His legacy will remain alive in our faith, as well as in his dedication to the rights of persecuted communities, including Syriac Christians,” the ESU noted.

The HBA extended its sympathies to all members of the Catholic Church, describing the Pope’s passing as a significant loss for Iraq and humanity. The party emphasized that Syriac Christians in Iraq had long admired his efforts to promote peace in war-torn regions, particularly during his historic visit to the country in 2021, where he voiced support for Christian communities struggling with displacement and violence. The HBA expressed hope that his successor would uphold his values and continue his mission of fostering peace and harmony among nations.

The Bethnahrin National Council parties concluded their statements by praying for Pope Francis’s soul and affirming that his humanitarian legacy will remain an enduring inspiration for future generations. His leadership served as a beacon of hope for Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) across Beth Nahrain (Mesopotamia), offering reassurance that their voices mattered in global discussions on religious freedom and justice.