The Vatican announced in a statement today, Monday, the death of Pope Francis after suffering from various ailments during his 12-year papacy, and after experiencing repeated hospital visits for treatment in recent months. His death came the day after he participated in the Easter celebration at St. Peter’s Cathedral and its square yesterday, Sunday.
On this painful occasion, the Masarat Foundation extends its heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and followers among Catholics worldwide.
Pope Francis I, who passed away at the age of 88, was a rare example of courage, and his statements and actions sparked significant debate that will not end with his era. After being elected as the 266th pope in the history of the Vatican, he became the first pope from Latin America and the first pope from the Third World.
The late pope provided a rare ethical framework in a highly secular age through his thoughts, words, and actions, as he embraced moral leadership on many global social, economic, and political issues.
In his latest statements, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of peace in a message for Easter this past Sunday, calling for an end to armed conflicts in several regions, primarily Gaza and Ukraine.
The pope stated in his message published by the press office of the Holy See: “I would like us to renew our hope that peace is possible. From the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Catholics and Orthodox celebrate Easter this year on the same day, may the light of peace shine throughout the Holy Land and the entire world.”
The late pope will remain immortal in the hearts of Iraqis who love peace. Among his glorious legacy was his visit to Iraq, which included a busy schedule in: Baghdad, Najaf, Nasiriyah, Mosul, the Nineveh Plain, and Erbil. His meeting with His Eminence Sayyid al-Sistani in Najaf Ashraf was a spiritual summit in every sense of the word. He was a rare peacemaker in a world ablaze with wars and crises. May his soul rest in peace.
Masarat Foundation
