Pope Francis- an icon of humanity: Al Azhar Imam, UAE religious leaders mourn pontiff’s loss

Dubai: Regional and UAE spiritual leaders across multiple faiths have expressed deep sadness at the passing of Pope Francis on Monday. The pontiff died on Monday, April 21 – a day after Easter Sunday.

Egyptian Islamic scholar and the current Grand Imam of Al Azhar Ahmed Al Tayyeb shared a heartful tribute to his brother, Pope Francis. Al Tayyeb commended Pope Francis for his commitment to humanity, describing him as a true leader who dedicated his life to serving humanity and advocating for the oppressed, refugees, and the marginalized.

“Today, the world has lost a remarkable symbol of humanity,” Al Tayyeb shared on Al Azhar’s official Facebook account.

“He was a true friend to Muslims, sincere in his pursuit of peace. His final words, especially in defence of Palestine and the oppressed in Gaza, will be remembered with deep reverence,” Al Tayyeb added.

The Grand Imam also remembered Pope Francis’s lasting contributions to global peace and religious harmony, recalling his resolute stance against Islamophobia and compassion for those suffering worldwide.

The deepening ties between Al Azhar and the Vatican reached a milestone in 2017 when Pope Francis took part in the Al Azhar International Peace Conference, followed by the signing of the historic "Document on Human Fraternity" in 2019.

 The Grand Imam expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Pope’s family and the worldwide Catholic community, offering prayers of solace during this period of mourning.

On behalf of the Arab Evangelical Church in Dubai, Pastor Emil Bassaly, the Senior Pastor at the church, said, “The world and the UAE cannot forget the Document on Human Fraternity in 2019; this unique and historic act, which was a pioneering step taken by the UAE, with which His Holiness Pope Francis interacted and seized the opportunity to achieve peace, rapprochement, and coexistence based on respect for diversity and viewing diversity among human beings as a blessing, not a curse. We salute the pure soul of Pope Francis and offer our condolences to all his loved ones.”

Rev. Fr. Aju Abraham, Vicar, St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral in Dubai, said, “I am deeply saddened to hear the demise of Pope Francis. As the true disciple of Jesus Christ, His Holiness will be remembered for his uncompromised faith, deep humility com, passion for fellow beings, approachability, social justice advocacy and inter-faith dialogues.”

Father Abraham added, “The golden decade- under the blessed leadership of Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church worldwide went through unprecedented changes. St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Dubai, sends our deepest condolences to the Holy See and the Roman Catholics worldwide.”

Meanwhile, Rev Jijo T Mutheri, the Vicar at the Mar Thoma Church in Dubai, said, “In remembering him, we recall a man whose compassion and conviction echoed across the length and breadth of the globe —a voice of conscience and of conscientiousness that is second to none has now fallen silent.”

Rev Mutheri also called the Pope “an ardent lover of nature” whose life was as graceful and inspiring as a poem—gentle, beautiful, and deeply meaningful.

Rev Mutheri added, “His passing is an immeasurable loss not only to the Catholic Church but also to people from different faiths worldwide.”

One of the spiritual leaders reminisced about the time they met with the Pope – a moment that profoundly affected their lives. Head of the Sikh Gurudwara in Dubai- Surendar Singh Kandhari, said he vividly remembers the day he met the pontiff in 2023. A group of 10 representatives from the UAE visited the Pope upon receiving an invitation from him, Kandhari told Gulf News.

Kandhari said he was invited to the Vatican because he had written an article for the Vatican Magazine. He said, “We had long discussions about collaborating and serving humanity. He had such concerns about intolerance. He truly wanted to improve the quality of humanity. I couldn't believe that I was speaking with the Pope. He was so warm and welcoming. He looked after us well.”

The BAPS Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi shared a condolence message from their spiritual head Brahmavihari Swami. He said, “His humility and unwavering commitment to human dignity touched hearts worldwide. We fondly remember his presence at the historic signing of the Human Fraternity Document in Abu Dhabi on February 4 2019—a moment that symbolized hope, unity, and a future built on mutual respect.”

Swami added. “His deep respect for all faiths, including the Indian and Hindu communities, opened new paths for understanding and harmony.”

Mandir officials also shared a message from their spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj (Sadhu Keshavjivandas), BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha from Surat, India.

“On behalf of the worldwide BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu fellowship, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His departure is a profound loss to the Catholic community and Christians around the world.”

Mohan N, general manager of Hindu Temple Dubai, also said, “Pope Francis was a hero of the masses; it is very saddening to see him go. On behalf of the Hindu temple in Dubai, the committee members, and the management team, we offer sincere condolences to the Catholic community worldwide,”