World leaders and religious figures offer condolences on the passing of Pope Francis

VATICAN —The passing of Pope Francis, the supreme leader of the Catholic Church, has prompted an outpouring of condolences from heads of state, religious leaders, and international organizations. Tributes have emphasized his commitment to peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue, highlighting his enduring impact on global humanitarian efforts.   

Among those offering condolences was the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES), which issued a statement through its Foreign Relations Department. “With deep sorrow, we extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Pope Francis—one of the most remarkable figures to lead the Catholic Church,” the statement read. “His unwavering dedication to the poor and marginalized has left a profound legacy of love and peace that will continue to inspire generations.”  

Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), paid tribute to the late pope on social media, describing him as “a symbol of peace and human unity” in his pursuit of interfaith coexistence. “His ethical legacy will remain a guiding light for future generations,” Abdi wrote. His message echoes sentiments expressed by various leaders who have emphasized Pope Francis’s pivotal role in supporting persecuted Christian communities, particularly during his historic visit to Iraq in 2021 

From Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) extended condolences on behalf of the region’s people and leadership, mourning the loss of “a historic figure who devoted his life to the service of humanity, defending dignity, and spreading the message of love and coexistence.” His remarks reflect broader recognition of Pope Francis’s dedication to interfaith dialogue and religious unity, underscored by his close collaboration with Islamic leaders, including Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb 

The Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, head of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and worldwide, and a likely candidate for the papacy, lamented the passing of “a pope renowned for his humanity, openness, and deep spirituality.” Reflecting on Pope Francis’s visit to Iraq, he remarked, “At a time when the world faces war and destruction, we desperately needed his fatherly voice. His visit to Iraq will never be forgotten”  

He also urged bishops and priests to honor his memory through special prayers and masses in the coming days. 

From Cairo, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of al-Azhar, praised Pope Francis for his role in strengthening interfaith dialogue and advancing humanitarian causes. He described him as “a true advocate for unity and compassion,” emphasizing the groundbreaking declarations of peace made between Vatican and Al-Azhar leadership during Pope Francis’s tenure 

The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis’s passing in an official statement, announcing that he died at the age of 88 after battling various health complications during his 12-year papacy. His legacy, shaped by his humility, advocacy for the vulnerable, and dedication to global peace, will remain an enduring inspiration for people of all faiths.