UK Muslim leaders pay tribute to ‘voice of conscience’ Pope Francis
The leader of the Catholic church, who has died at 88, ‘extended his hand in genuine friendship to Muslims around the world’
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British Muslim leaders have paid tribute to Pope Francis, the leader of the global Roman Catholic Church, who died on Monday aged 88.
The Vatican said the pope, who was elected to the position in 2013, had died following a stroke and cardiac arrest. His final appearance was at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square on Sunday, where he gave an Easter address.
Dr Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, chief imam of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, which supports the Shia community, was one of four Muslim leaders who met the pope at the Vatican in April 2017.
“He shared with me the importance of standing alongside the oppressed and remaining committed to selfless service to others,” he told Hyphen. “In our embrace, I felt the warmth that so many have described over the past 24 hours — not only in his presence, but in the sincerity and spiritual depth of his approach.”
Razawi added: “He was a voice of conscience in a troubled world — a man of humility and a sincere partner in interfaith dialogue. May God, the most merciful, reward him for his service to humanity and grant comfort to all who mourn his loss.”
The pope was a champion for improving relations between Muslims and Christians, calling for “mutual respect through education” between the two faiths during an address to Muslims across the world on Eid al-Fitr in 2013, a few months into his papacy.
“We have to bring up our young people to think and speak respectfully of other religions and their followers, and to avoid ridiculing or denigrating their convictions and practices,” he said.
“We all know that mutual respect is fundamental in any human relationship, especially among people who profess religious belief. In this way, sincere and lasting friendship can grow.”
Dr Wajid Akhter, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said in a statement on the organisation’s website that the pope had “extended his hand in genuine friendship to Muslims around the world”.
“In these troubled times, his legacy reminds us that our faiths call us not to division, but to unity in addressing humanity’s greatest challenges,” Akhter said.
“The Catholic community has lost a shepherd, but his teachings on peace and human fraternity will continue to illuminate the path for all people of faith. May the legacy of Pope Francis continue to inspire future generations.”
Crossbench peer Shaista Gohir, the chief executive of the Muslim Women’s Network charity, also paid her condolences, describing the late pope as a “remarkable global spiritual leader”.
“He consistently spoke out for the poorest and most oppressed in society,” she said. “We also recognise his efforts to elevate the role of women within his tradition. May his work for peace, compassion and justice continue to inspire future generations.”
Julie Siddiqi, co-founder of the newly established British Muslim Network, described the pope as “a man of God who has humbly served those who often get overlooked and has spoken about the pain and suffering of wars around the world”.
“He didn’t only care about human beings on earth but also championed climate action,” she said. “The empathetic and courageous leadership of Pope Francis will be missed. It’s up to us all to continue his legacy to build a more humane and kinder world for all.”
In his final address on Sunday, the pope highlighted humanitarian crises across the Middle East, Yemen, Congo and Sudan, and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“I express my closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people,” he said in a statement read out on his behalf by the Vatican’s master of ceremonies, archbishop Diego Ravelli. The pope could be seen on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica in a wheelchair, waving at thousands of worshippers who had gathered in the square.
“The growing climate of antisemitism throughout the world is worrisome. Yet at the same time, I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.
“I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”
Muath Alamri, chief executive of the Muslim World League mosque in London, said he would remember the pope for his efforts to “promote interfaith dialogue”.
“His work to build bridges between communities, promoting harmony and peace among people of all faiths, were a testament to his noble character and his unwavering belief in the power of mutual understanding and cooperation,” he said.
“We pray that his legacy continues to inspire people of all faiths and none to continue his work to promote peaceful coexistence.”
The pope’s funeral is scheduled to take place at 10am in St Peter’s Square on Saturday.
In May, cardinals will enter the conclave — a secretive gathering held in the Sistine Chapel — where they will elect the next pope. A two-thirds majority is required to choose a successor.
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