Condolences on the passing of Pope Francis

The Lewisham Islamic Centre extends its deepest condolences to the global Roman Catholic community on the passing of Pope Francis, who died after a prolonged illness.

Pope Francis was known for his humility and unwavering commitment to social justice, including his protective stance on environmental issues. While many leaders held their peace, he was outspoken in his actions against the Israeli Zionist injustices in Palestine, undeterred by political fallout. We remember his poignant and politically significant visit to the Israeli apartheid wall in Bethlehem in 2014, where he prayed in front of graffiti that read “Free Palestine” and “Bethlehem look like Warsaw Ghetto.” Shortly afterwards, his papacy and the Vatican officially recognised the State of Palestine.

Pope Francis’ commitment to the Palestinian people was unyielding, reflected, perhaps most notably, in his consistent welfare phone calls to Gaza’s Christian population, who have not been spared Zionist cruelty and the ongoing threat of extermination.

We look forward to Pope Francis’ successor honouring his legacy and continuing the social and diplomatic struggle for a free Palestine. 

“…and you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because among them are priests and monks, and because they are not arrogant.“

(Qur’an 5:82)