Hezbollah: Pope Francis Embodied the Spirit of Interfaith Dialogue

Translated by Al-Ahed News

Statement Issued by Hezbollah on the Passing of the Pope of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Hezbollah extends its heartfelt condolences to the State of the Vatican, to the followers of the Catholic Church around the world, and to all Christians—especially our Christian brothers and sisters in Lebanon and the Apostolic Nunciature therein—on the passing of the Pope of the Catholic Church, Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis), who believed in peace, called for the rejection of wars, and worked with deep faith to instill the values of love and tolerance, and to build bridges between religions, civilizations, and peoples in pursuit of dialogue, understanding, and justice.

Through his inspiring stances, Pope Francis embodied the spirit of interfaith dialogue. His notable meetings with Islamic authorities in Najaf al-Ashraf and Al-Azhar were pivotal moments that sparked a message of love and human fraternity.

His outspoken positions calling for an end to the "Israeli" aggression on the Gaza Strip (until the very last moments of his life), his condemnation of the massacres against our people in Palestine, his calls for humanitarian aid, his official recognition of the State of Palestine, and his unwavering support for the Palestinian cause—alongside his consistent support for Lebanon throughout the years and his condemnation of "Israeli" aggression against it—truly reflect the sincerity of his call and his commitment to humanitarian values that reject injustice everywhere.

Lebanese of all sects and communities are called upon to remember the words of Pope Francis, who described Lebanon as a "message with great significance," reflecting a model of coexistence and national unity. They are urged to draw inspiration from his spirit, wisdom, and strength to confront challenges and resist attempts to sow discord and division in our beloved Lebanon.

Monday, April 21, 2025
22 Shawwal, 1446 AH