Pope Francis, spiritual leader of the Catholic Church passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 88 in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes not only from within the Catholic community but also from Muslim leaders and organizations around the world who viewed him as a true partner in the pursuit of global peace, justice, and interfaith understanding.
In a statement, Muslim Council of Britain extended “heartfelt condolences to Catholics in the UK and around the world,” remembering the Pope for his “commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation.”
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The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, mourned the Pope’s passing in a heartfelt statement, describing him as “a historic religious figure who devoted his life to advancing values of love, dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.”
Advocating Refugees
Secretary-General Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam highlighted Pope Francis’ unwavering advocacy for refugees and the marginalized, calling his legacy “a timeless beacon of compassion.”
In a deeply personal message, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, described the Pope as “a dear friend to Muslims,” lauding him as “a sincere voice for peace and dialogue” who stood courageously in defense of oppressed Palestinians, especially during their suffering in Gaza.
“Today,” Sheikh Al-Tayeb wrote, “the world has lost a distinguished symbol of humanity.”
Muslim leaders also recalled Pope Francis’ historic role in co-authoring the Document on Human Fraternity in 2019 alongside Sheikh Al-Tayeb—a landmark in Muslim-Christian relations that remains a pillar of modern interfaith work.
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will reflect his own request for simplicity, emphasizing his identity not as a worldly figure, but as a humble disciple of Christ and servant of humanity.
As condolences pour in from across religious lines, Pope Francis is being remembered not only as a Pope to Catholics, but as a bridge-builder whose compassion and courage resonated far beyond the walls of the Vatican.