Hawzah News Agency- Hujjat al-Islam Sayyid Ashraf Ali al-Gharwi, the representative of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Hosseini Al-Sistani in India, has issued a message of condolences to the Christian community following the passing of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Christians worldwide, and praised his humanitarian services and ethical positions.

The message states: With the passing of Pope Francis, the world lost one of the brave and honest defenders of human rights; a leader who always openly defended the oppressed and protected human dignity. This is while, unfortunately, in our time, some who uphold claims to religiosity, instead of promoting peace and humanity, know nothing but the language of hatred and violence.

Hujjat al-Islam Sayyid Ashraf Ali Gharavi further referred to the historic meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Sistani in Najaf Ashraf, calling it a successful model of interfaith dialogue and said,” This meeting was a clear symbol of faith in God, adherence to moral principles, and joint efforts to confront the great challenges of humanity today. Both leaders emphasized the need to promote peace, strengthen peaceful coexistence, and confront violence and hatred.”

“Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Sistani also emphasized mutual respect among followers of different religions and ideologies and the protection of the rights of all. If other religious leaders also adopt such an approach, we will undoubtedly have a more just, peaceful, and humane world.” He added.

At the end of this message, Grand Ayatollah Sistani's representative in India expressed sympathy with the followers of Christianity and expressed hope that Pope Francis' successor would continue his path and remain steadfast in defending the oppressed and promoting human values.