The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) expresses its deep sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to our Catholic friends in the United Kingdom and across the globe during this time of mourning. Pope Francis stood as a towering figure of faith whose compassion, commitment to justice, and profound humility transcended religious boundaries. Throughout his papacy, he embodied the universal values that both Islam and Christianity hold dear — mercy, compassion and service to humanity.
His tireless advocacy for the marginalised and dispossessed reflected the Quranic principle that to save one life is to save all of humanity. His unwavering calls for peace, particularly in Gaza, the Occupied Territories, the Ukraine and other conflict zones, demonstrated a moral courage that resonated deeply within many communities. Pope Francis consistently advocated for the dignity of refugees, spoke against poverty, and championed environmental stewardship—causes that unite our faiths in common purpose.
Commenting on the passing of Pope Francis, Dr Wajid Akhter, MCB Secretary-General said: “As Muslims, we deeply respect how Pope Francis extended his hand in genuine friendship to Muslims around the world: fostering dialogue and understanding between our faiths. His life exemplified the shared Abrahamic values of compassion, justice, and dignity for all God’s creation. In these troubled times, his legacy reminds us that our faiths call us not to division, but to unity in addressing humanity’s greatest challenges. The Catholic community has lost a shepherd, but his teachings on peace and human fraternity will continue to illuminate the path for all people of faith. May the legacy of Pope Francis continue to inspire future generations.”
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- For more information contact: media@mcb.org.uk or call 0845 262 6786