Pakistan has expressed deep condolences following the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who passed away on Monday (April 21, 2025) at the age of 88.
Despite his health challenges, the pope’s final public appearance during Easter Sunday, when he greeted thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square from an open-air popemobile, gave no indication of the tragedy that would soon unfold.
Known for his advocacy of peace, interfaith dialogue, and human rights, Pope Francis’s passing has left a profound impact on the global community, including Pakistan, where Catholics have held vigils in his honor.
Pakistani Catholics hold vigils for Pope Francis
Catholics across Pakistan, a country where the majority practice Islam, have been holding prayer vigils and lighting candles to honor the late pope’s legacy. In Lahore, a modest gathering at the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection paid tribute to Pope Francis, reflecting the deep reverence he garnered for his lifelong commitment to peace, interfaith dialogue, and the rights of the oppressed.
The late pontiff was widely recognized for advocating for peace in a world fraught with conflict. His consistent calls for ceasefire in conflict zones such as Gaza resonated globally. Just days before his death, Pope Francis reiterated his plea for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his Easter Sunday appearance in Vatican City. This message was a poignant reminder of his unwavering commitment to peace and justice.
“Pope Francis was a personality who spoke above all for humanity,” Irfan Fiaz, a 34-year-old priest in Lahore, told AFP. “All his services conveyed a message of peace and harmony. Even his last words, which we can call his final will, were a prayer to God for peace. Pope Francis always prayed for the people, for our country, and constantly carried the message of brotherhood, peace, and security.”
A Champion for the Oppressed
Pope Francis was also celebrated for his vocal support for the oppressed, particularly his outspoken advocacy for the rights of Palestinians. “Wherever there was oppression against humanity, whenever there was injustice, the voice of Pope Francis was the first and the loudest to be heard,” said Syed Mehmood, 50, chairman of a local peace committee. “His strong voice made a real impact.”
Pakistani Catholics were not alone in remembering Pope Francis. The government of Pakistan, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, issued a formal statement of condolence, acknowledging his pivotal role in fostering global peace and promoting interfaith harmony.
“Pope Francis was a symbol of interfaith harmony, peace, and humanity,” Sharif said in his message, also highlighting the pope’s advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza as a reflection of his compassionate leadership.
Pakistan’s official Condolences and Tribute
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan expressed heartfelt condolences, praising Pope Francis for his tireless efforts to enhance mutual respect and understanding among diverse cultures and faiths. “Pakistan deeply values his unwavering commitment to fostering unity among world religions, advocating for the oppressed, and promoting the inherent dignity of all humankind,” the ministry said in a press release.
President Asif Ali Zardari also joined in the tributes, honoring the pope’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, social justice, and the well-being of the most vulnerable communities worldwide. “Pope Francis’ passing is an irreparable loss for the world,” Zardari remarked, underscoring the pope’s role as a powerful voice for peace and justice.
The death of Pope Francis has been felt not only by Catholics but by people of all faiths who admired his pursuit of peace, justice, and human dignity.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), described the pope’s demise as a tremendous loss for global interfaith harmony and humanity at large. “Pope Francis was a beacon of compassion, humility, and peace,” Bhutto Zardari said in a statement.
The Church of Pakistan expressed deep sorrow at the pope’s passing, recognizing the immense loss for the global Catholic community. “His death is a moment of profound loss for the global Church,” the Church of Pakistan noted, reflecting the widespread sense of grief.