President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed profound sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the Pope’s death, which came just a day after the pontiff made a rare extended public appearance following a 38-day hospital stay due to pneumonia. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away at the age of 88. He was elected pope on March 13, 2013.
In their official messages, both Pakistani leaders paid tribute to Pope Francis’ global influence and his enduring efforts to promote peace, interfaith harmony and human dignity.
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President Zardari praised the Pope for his lifelong dedication to fostering interreligious dialogue, compassion, and peaceful coexistence. He also acknowledged the Pope’s deep commitment to social justice and his strong advocacy for marginalised communities. The president said Pope Francis would be remembered for bridging divides and nurturing mutual understanding across faiths.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, offering heartfelt condolences and recognizing the Pope as a global symbol of peace, love and mutual respect. He said the Pope’s teachings resonated not only with Christians but also with people of all faiths. The prime minister particularly noted Pope Francis’ recent appeals for a ceasefire in the Middle East as an example of his moral leadership.
Describing the Pope’s death as a significant loss for the world and especially the Christian community, the prime minister extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to the Vatican, Christians worldwide and all who were inspired by his message.
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