UPDATE - Middle East leaders express deep sorrow over death of Pope Francis

UPDATES WITH MORE CONDOLENCES

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) – Leaders across the Middle East region paid tribute to Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88.

Pope Francis, who made history as the first Jesuit and first Latin American pontiff, died after battling an illness described by Vatican officials as a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis” associated with thrombocytopenia.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi mourned the pontiff, describing him as “an exceptional global figure who dedicated his life to promoting peace and justice, building bridges of dialogue among peoples, and defending the just rights of the Palestinian people,” according to a readout by the presidency.

The passing of Pope Francis “is a great loss to the entire world. He was a voice for peace, love, and compassion – a model of unwavering commitment to noble values,” he added.

The Egyptian leader offered his “heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, to his followers, and to all who loved him.”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the death of Pope Francis "a loss for all humanity."

“He was a powerful voice for justice and peace, a defender of the poor and marginalized, and a champion of interfaith and intercultural dialogue,” he added in a statement.

“Pope Francis always carried Lebanon in his heart and prayers, and he consistently urged the world to stand by us in our time of crisis,” Aoun said.

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid also mourned the pontiff on his X account.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His humanitarian stance against war and violence, and his continuous calls for peace and coexistence, will leave an indelible impact on the world.”

“Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable religious and humanitarian leader whose life was devoted to promoting peace, alleviating poverty, and fostering interfaith tolerance. Our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church, Christians, and people around the world. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

Iran also offered its condolences to all Christians over the pontiff’s death.

“We ask Almighty God to grant Pope Francis eternal peace and rest,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohamed bin Zayed also expressed his condolences on the pontiff’s death.

"I extend my deepest condolences to Catholics around the world on the passing of Pope Francis, who dedicated his life to promoting the principles of peaceful coexistence and understanding. May he rest in peace," he said on his X account.

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Egypt’s Al-Azhar, the highest seat of learning in the Sunni Muslim world, also paid tribute to Pope Francis.

"Today, the world bids farewell to a distinguished humanitarian and dear friend, His Holiness Pope Francis, a man who dedicated his life to serving humanity, advocating for the oppressed, refugees, and the marginalized, and promoting dialogue and understanding among religions and cultures," he said in a statement.

"He was a true friend to Muslims, sincere in his pursuit of peace," he said. “Among his final statements was a powerful defense of Palestine and the oppressed people of Gaza."

Tayeb noted their shared legacy in signing the historic Document on Human Fraternity in 2019, and extended "heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to the family of this great humanitarian, Pope Francis, and to the followers of the Catholic Church around the world."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also mourned the passing of Pope Francis.

"Today, we lost a faithful friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights, a strong defender of peace, love, and faith around the world,” he said.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Vatican and believers worldwide for the great loss of Pope Francis, who was a symbol of tolerance, love, and brotherhood."

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas offered “heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic Church and all Christians” for the loss of a leader who had a “distinguished legacy in serving humanitarian and religious values.”

The group praised the pontiff’s stance in rejecting wars, noting he was “one of the prominent religious voices condemning the crimes against our Palestinian people in Gaza.”