Beirut [Lebanon], April 22: Leaders across the Arab world on Monday honoured Pope Francis, who died aged 88 at his residence in the Vatican, with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi describing him as "a voice of peace, love and compassion."
President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh
Mohamed bin Zayed extended his "deepest condolences to Catholics around the world."
Francis "dedicated his life to promoting the principles of peaceful coexistence and understanding," he wrote on X. "May he rest in peace."
Lebanon's Christian President Joseph Aoun described the pope's death as "a loss for all humanity, for he was a powerful voice for justice and peace."
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the pope was a "faithful friend of the Palestinian people," according to official Palestinian news agency WAFA.
Jordan's King Abdullah II said: "Deepest condolences to our Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Pope Francis was admired by all as the Pope of the People. He brought people together, leading with kindness, humility, and compassion. His legacy will live on in his good deeds and teachings."
The Muslim Council of Elders, headed by Egypt's Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayyeb, said Francis "devoted his life to serving humanity and advancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, peace and human fraternity while he also tirelessly supported the vulnerable, needy, refugees and the displaced."
He became "a historic religious figure whose enduring humanitarian legacy will inspire future generations," the group said in a statement on X.
Lebanon's pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement described the pope as "a believer in peace, a voice against war," who "worked with deep faith to plant the values of love, tolerance, and bridge-building between religions, civilizations, and peoples in pursuit of dialogue, understanding, and
justice."
Palestinian group Hamas said Francis "had well-known positions in promoting interfaith dialogue, calling for understanding and peace among nations, and rejecting hatred and racism."
Source: Qatar Tribune