From Vatican to Al-Azhar: The Pope who reached across faiths, inspiring peace in a fractured world
“He loved Muslims and was dedicated to spreading peace. His final statements defended Palestine and the oppressed people of Gaza. His efforts helped advance Islamic-Christian dialogue, culminating in the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in 2019."
As the world continues to mourn Pope Francis, tributes pouring in paint the picture of a unifying figure whose leadership transcended religious boundaries and resonated with many in a world marked by spiritual division and unrest.
Born on December 17, 1936, in Argentina, Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), a qualified chemical technician, chose and lived the life of a humble priest. He consistently identified with the poor and marginalised, embracing the oppressed with the same affection he showed to the privileged. He often reminded his juniors that "trampling upon a person's dignity is a serious sin."
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These virtues became more pronounced when he ascended to the global stage in March 2013 as the Supreme Pontiff—a role that commands international attention and is viewed by many as both a moral compass and prophetic voice.
With unwavering emphasis on humility, compassion and justice—all values also enshrined in the Muslim faith—Pope Francis established himself as a much-needed moral guide in a fractured world.
This was evident during his visits to refugee camps, his preference for modest transportation, and his open embrace of leaders of other religions. He persistently called for an end to war, building bridges where there had once been walls, and urging humanity to listen more closely to its shared conscience than its doctrinal differences.
“He was the closest in a long time to remembering that Christ's love envelops both believers and non-believers. He felt more like Pope John XXIII—someone who made belief real. Sail on, Pope Francis, with your love of humanity and laughter,” American actress Whoopi Goldberg, who bonded with the Pope over a shared love for her 1992 film Sister Act, wrote on Instagram.
In his final address on Sunday at St Peter's Basilica, the Pope spotlighted humanitarian crises in the Middle East, Syria, Lebanon, Myanmar, Yemen, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan, and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“I express my closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all the Israeli and Palestinian people... I also think in particular of the people of Yemen, who are experiencing one of the world's most serious and prolonged humanitarian crises because of war. I invite all to find solutions through constructive dialogue,” he said in a statement read out on his behalf by the Vatican's Master of Ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravelli.
Pope Francis also engaged with local and international interfaith leaders, most memorably during his 2015 visit to Kenya, where he met Prof Abdulghafur El-Busaidy, the former President of the National Supreme Council of Kenya (SUPKEM).
At the time, Prof Abdulghafur said the council believed in unity among faith communities in addressing modern challenges facing humanity.
“Our world today is characterised by reckless wars driven by greed, malice, treachery, self-interest and blackmail. We are increasingly witnessing the theatre of the absurd: politics without principle, business without morality, wealth without work, education without character, science without humanity, enjoyment without conscience, religion without spirituality, and professionalism without responsibility. People are consumed with making money, even at the expense of others. We cannot certainly continue in this direction,” he stated.
Other Muslim leaders around the world also paid tribute to the late Pope. Muath Alamri, Chief Executive of the Muslim World League mosque in London, remembered Pope Francis for his efforts to foster interfaith dialogue.
“His work to build bridges between communities and to promote peace and harmony among people of all faiths was a testament to his noble character and unwavering belief in the power of mutual understanding and cooperation. We pray that his legacy continues to inspire people of all faiths—and none—to promote peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Julie Siddiqi, co-founder of the British Muslim Network, said Pope Francis’ empathetic and courageous leadership would be missed.
“It’s up to all of us to continue his legacy and build a more humane and kinder world for everyone,” she said.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Egypt affirmed that Pope Francis was a humanitarian icon of the highest calibre—one who loved Muslims and was committed to peace.
“Today, the world has lost a humanitarian icon of the highest order, our dear friend His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church, who dedicated his life to serving humanity, championing the causes of the weak, refugees and the oppressed, and supporting dialogue and understanding between religions and cultures.
“He loved Muslims and was dedicated to spreading peace. His final statements defended Palestine and the oppressed people of Gaza. His efforts helped advance Islamic-Christian dialogue, culminating in the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in 2019. My sincere condolences to the family of the late Pope Francis and to the Catholic faithful around the world,” the Grand Imam wrote on social media on Tuesday.
The Grand Imam is expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral with a high-level delegation.
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