Shia Muslim Foundation Offers Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis
- SMF
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The Shia Muslim Foundation extends its heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in Vatican City. His death marks the end of a deeply consequential papacy defined by humility, compassion, and courageous outreach to communities long marginalized or misunderstood.
Throughout his leadership of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to interfaith dialogue, social justice, and the ethical obligations of global religious leadership. His papacy saw remarkable efforts to bring together voices across religious boundaries, including among Muslim communities, and especially within the Shia tradition.
One of the most historically significant moments in Shia-Catholic relations came in 2021, when Pope Francis traveled to Najaf, Iraq, to meet with Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani. Their private conversation in the Grand Ayatollah’s modest home was not only unprecedented—it marked the first meeting between a pope and one of the most senior and respected Shia clerics in the world. The event sent a global message: that shared human values of peace, dignity, and justice transcend theological and political differences.
In addition to his meeting with Ayatollah Sistani, Pope Francis engaged with other prominent Shia scholars, including Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, the Director-General and Chief Imam of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society. Their discussions further illustrated the Pope’s sincere commitment to interfaith dialogue rooted in mutual respect and cooperation.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to our Catholic brothers and sisters on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
As Muslims, we recognise his unwavering commitment to peace, compassion, and the dignity of all people.
He was a voice of conscience in a troubled world and a sincere partner in interfaith dialogue. May God, the Most Merciful, reward his efforts for humanity and grant comfort to all who mourn his loss.
- Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society
Pope Francis also hosted Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi at the Vatican in 2014 as part of a summit of global religious leaders committed to eradicating modern slavery. This occasion marked the first meeting between a Shia Grand Ayatollah and a Pope, highlighting Pope Francis’s determination to build bridges and collaborate on shared humanitarian causes regardless of doctrinal divisions.
Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation, reflected on the Pope’s legacy:
"Pope Francis’s dedication to bridging divides and fostering understanding among diverse communities resonated deeply. His efforts in promoting dialogue and mutual respect—especially his meeting with Grand Ayatollah Sistani—have left an indelible mark on interfaith relations. He will be remembered as a leader of great moral clarity and compassion."
Pope Francis’s outreach to the Shia community was not symbolic alone—it represented a sincere effort to acknowledge the dignity, scholarship, and humanity of a group often overlooked in broader religious diplomacy. His actions created the space for meaningful cooperation between Catholic and Shia institutions on shared challenges, from poverty and conflict to ethics and education.
The Shia Muslim Foundation stands in solidarity with Catholics and people of all faiths in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His moral voice, tireless advocacy for the oppressed, and courageous interfaith vision will continue to inspire people of conscience across the globe.
Media Contact:
Farhana Kassamali
Director of Communications
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