Parliament Speaker Expresses Heartfelt Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis

Parliament Speaker Expresses Heartfelt Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis

Tehran, IRNA – In a heartfelt message, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf expressed his condolences following the passing of Pope Francis, the revered leader of the Catholic Church, who died on Monday at the age of 88. The loss of such a significant spiritual figure resonates deeply within the global community.

Qalibaf’s message highlighted the profound impact Pope Francis had during his lifetime. He stated, “The passing of the esteemed spiritual figure and the leader of Catholic Christians, His Holiness Pope Francis, is deeply regrettable.”

In his tribute, Qalibaf emphasized several key aspects of Pope Francis’s legacy:

  • Advocate of Peace: He dedicated his life to promoting peace and compassion among all worshippers of God.
  • Humanitarian Reforms: His initiatives aimed at fostering monotheism and interreligious dialogue.
  • Global Peace: Pope Francis was vocal in condemning violence, particularly the Israeli actions in Gaza, and he called for an end to the genocide of Palestinian civilians.

These efforts will not be forgotten, Qalibaf added. In a similar sentiment, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, the head of Iran’s Islamic Seminary, also offered condolences to both Vatican officials and the Christian community during this sorrowful time. He remarked, “Pope Francis was a prominent and influential figure in the field of interreligious dialogue and promoting peace and coexistence between nations.”

Earlier on Monday, the Vatican officially announced the death of Pope Francis at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican. He had been battling respiratory illnesses in recent years, which led to the cancellation of his planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to health concerns.

Pope Francis, born on December 17, 1963, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was known by his birth name, Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He was elected as the pope on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, and remained a pivotal figure in the Catholic Church until his passing.

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