The Office of the Supreme Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Al-Husseini Al-Sistani, extended its heartfelt condolences on Monday following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

The official statement reads:

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

To His Beatitude Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican

Greetings and respect,

We received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Pope of the Vatican. He was held in high spiritual esteem by many around the world and was deeply respected for his outstanding role in championing peace, tolerance, and solidarity with the oppressed and persecuted across the globe.

The historic meeting between His Holiness and the Supreme Religious Authority in Najaf was a profound moment, as both leaders affirmed the essential role of faith in God Almighty and adherence to noble moral values in addressing the great challenges facing humanity today. They also emphasized the importance of collective efforts to foster a culture of peaceful coexistence, reject violence and hatred, and promote harmony based on mutual respect and the protection of rights among followers of different religions and intellectual traditions.

The Supreme Religious Authority, while offering sincere condolences to the global Catholic community on this profound loss, prays for patience and comfort for them during this difficult time. He also asks God Almighty to bless all of humanity with goodness, mercy, and peace in accordance with His boundless compassion.