With deep sorrow, Roya Institute extends its heartfelt condolences to all Christian sisters and brothers around the world on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis (1936–2025)—an extraordinary spiritual leader whose legacy is one of compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Pope Francis was not only the head of the Catholic Church but also a moral voice and source of inspiration for all humanity. His tireless efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, human rights, women’s dignity, environmental protection, and global justice reflect the shared values of the world’s great religious traditions. His historic meeting with Grand Ayatollah Sistani in Najaf marked a profound moment of peacebuilding and mutual understanding between faith communities.
Despite his illness in recent years, Pope Francis continued to travel to various countries—including Iraq, Mongolia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Canada—to personally meet with the people and share his message of peace, love, and solidarity. He stood firmly with the poor, the marginalized, and the voiceless.
Pope Francis’s final message on the occasion of Easter, delivered on April 20, 2025—just one day before his passing—was a global call for peace, disarmament, and the release of prisoners. In this message, he called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of detainees, and humanitarian access; peace in Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and the Western Balkans; disarmament and religious freedom in Africa, including in Sudan, the Congo, and the Sahel; and reconciliation in Myanmar.
We especially honor his courageous and humanitarian stance in support of refugees and displaced persons. At a time when rising nationalism and xenophobia threaten global solidarity, Pope Francis championed the cause of welcoming migrants, protecting human dignity, and offering sanctuary to those fleeing war, persecution, and poverty. His words and actions inspired all who are committed to the moral imperatives of faith.
At Roya Institute, where we actively engage in interfaith dialogue on human rights, gender justice, and environmental responsibility, we remember and revere Pope Francis with profound respect. We pray that his successor will continue and expand upon the progressive vision and luminous strategies he so passionately pursued.
May his memory be a guiding light for all those striving to build a kinder, more just, and peaceful world. And may the shared message of all the prophets—including Jesus Christ (peace be upon him)—of peace, compassion, spirituality, and ethics spread worldwide.
April 21, 2025
With heartfelt sympathy and respect,
Roya Institute for Global Justice