Muslim leader from Russia praises Pope Francis
Albir Krganov, the mufti of Moscow, has extended his condolences to Catholics worldwide following the passing of Pope Francis. He commended the late pontiff for his dedication to ending international conflicts and fostering connections with...
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Albir Krganov, the mufti of Moscow, has extended his condolences to Catholics worldwide following the passing of Pope Francis. He commended the late pontiff for his dedication to ending international conflicts and fostering connections with various religious groups.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, shortly after attending Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. He had served as the leader of the Catholic Church since 2013.
“On behalf of Russian Muslims, we express our deep condolences to Catholics around the globe on the passing of Pope Francis,” stated Krganov, who also serves as the head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Francis “devoted great attention to the issues of social justice, support for those in need, and the protection of human dignity,” Krganov remarked.
“His Holiness repeatedly advocated peacemaking and called for an end to conflicts, including the one in Palestine, emphasizing the importance of respecting humanitarian rights and searching for concord between peoples,” the Muslim leader added.
In his Easter Sunday message, the Pope once again urged the parties involved in the “terrible conflict” in Gaza to “call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.” He emphasized the “dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation” faced by Palestinians in Gaza due to Israeli strikes.
Krganov also pointed out the pontiff's efforts to encourage “inter-religious dialogue,” noting that “the document he signed between the Vatican and Al-Azhar University became a unique example of cooperation between Christians and Muslims.”
During his 2019 visit to Abu Dhabi, Pope Francis and Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar University based in Cairo, signed a Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together. This marked the first occasion in history that the leader of the Catholic Church visited the Arabian Peninsula.
“Muslims will remember him [Pope Francis] as a man who sought dialogue, justice, and peace,” concluded the mufti of Moscow.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, shortly after attending Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. He had served as the leader of the Catholic Church since 2013.
“On behalf of Russian Muslims, we express our deep condolences to Catholics around the globe on the passing of Pope Francis,” stated Krganov, who also serves as the head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Francis “devoted great attention to the issues of social justice, support for those in need, and the protection of human dignity,” Krganov remarked.
“His Holiness repeatedly advocated peacemaking and called for an end to conflicts, including the one in Palestine, emphasizing the importance of respecting humanitarian rights and searching for concord between peoples,” the Muslim leader added.
In his Easter Sunday message, the Pope once again urged the parties involved in the “terrible conflict” in Gaza to “call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.” He emphasized the “dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation” faced by Palestinians in Gaza due to Israeli strikes.
Krganov also pointed out the pontiff's efforts to encourage “inter-religious dialogue,” noting that “the document he signed between the Vatican and Al-Azhar University became a unique example of cooperation between Christians and Muslims.”
During his 2019 visit to Abu Dhabi, Pope Francis and Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar University based in Cairo, signed a Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together. This marked the first occasion in history that the leader of the Catholic Church visited the Arabian Peninsula.
“Muslims will remember him [Pope Francis] as a man who sought dialogue, justice, and peace,” concluded the mufti of Moscow.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
