KUWAIT CITY, April 24: For two consecutive days, the Vatican Embassy has been receiving condolences on the passing of Pope Francis from the heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions, and private individuals. Ambassador of Bahrain to Kuwait Salah Al-Malki stated that Pope Francis dedicated his life to the service of humanity and the promotion of peace. He expressed his deepest sympathy for the Vatican and the global community. He said the late Pope bequeathed a substantial humanitarian and spiritual legacy, commending his endeavors to foster interfaith discourse and cultural convergence. He added the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the auspices of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, affirms the significance of cultivating avenues for dialogue and understanding among nations and creeds. He underscored the seminal role of the King Hamad Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance in promoting peace, tolerance, and dialogue between religions and cultures. Ambassador of Greece Ioannis Plotas pointed out that “humanity as a whole sustained the loss of an eminent figure and an exceptional spiritual leader.

Pope Francis will last in human memory due to his humanitarian principles and his unwavering support for refugees, the ill, and the vulnerable and marginalized populations in our societies. He left a legacy that transcends the confines of the Catholic Church, influencing all of humanity, including the Muslim community. It is incumbent upon us to perpetuate the humanitarian message that he championed and defended throughout his lifetime.” Ambassador of Palestine Rami Tahboub stated “the Pope was not just a religious figure, but a conscience embodied. He conveyed messages of fraternity and the defense of the oppressed in all regions.”

He added “Pope Francis played a pivotal role in establishing bridges of interfaith dialogue and was resolute in promoting mutual respect between Christians and Muslims.” He lauded the Pope’s supportive stance on Arab rights, particularly Palestine; citing his recurrent denunciation of the occupation, rejection of the injustice endured by the Palestinian people, and persistent condemnation of the genocide and massacres perpetrated against children in the Gaza Strip. He went on to assert that the Pope’s voice lent significant moral support to the Palestinian cause in international forums. “The world is now deprived of an exceptional individual and a steadfast advocate for peace. We shall remain committed to his values and messages,” he added.

President of the Women’s Institute for Development and Peace Kawthar Al-Jouan expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis disasserting that with his departure, the world lost “a figure of sagacity and peace, a proponent of justice and equality.” Al-Jouan said “we are compelled to recall the Pope’s honorable stances, even in his twilight, when he dispatched a forceful message to the world and its major powers, calling for the cessation of hostilities in Gaza. His pronouncements invariably embodied principles of love, justice, and an exhortation for peace. His stances were not circumscribed to a singular nation or issue, but rather articulated a comprehensive humanity that surmounted borders. The Pope’s noble principles shall persist in our memory, particularly since they were not confined to the defense of Christian causes alone, but encompassed support for Arab and Islamic causes as well.”

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff