Pope Francis a voice of compassion in a turbulent world, says Anwar
- nabalunews
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
22 April 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the late Pope Francis as a beacon of compassion, humility, and justice in a world often marked by conflict and uncertainty.
In a heartfelt statement on Monday following the pontiff’s passing, Anwar said Pope Francis would be remembered not only as the first pope from the Global South, but also as a moral voice whose influence transcended religious boundaries.
“Pope Francis’s commitment to interfaith understanding, environmental stewardship, and the dignity of the marginalised extended far beyond the reach of the Catholic Church,” he said.
Anwar highlighted the pontiff as a tireless advocate for peace, building bridges across religious and cultural divides, and earning widespread respect from people of all faiths, including the Muslim world.
“He spoke with unwavering moral clarity about the immense suffering in Gaza, reminding us all of the need to show compassion to every victim of violence, no matter who or where they are.
The Prime Minister also emphasised Pope Francis’s advocacy for the rights of migrants and refugees, noting the pontiff consistently urged the international community to act with humanity and conscience.
Reflecting on the late pope’s legacy, Anwar quoted the words of Shakespeare: “His life was gentle, and the elements so mix’d in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, ‘This was a man.’”
On a very personal note, Anwar recalled having the honour of meeting Pope Francis early in his papacy, describing the encounter as deeply meaningful.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Malaysia, I extend our deepest condolences to the Holy See, to Catholics around the world, and especially to the Catholic community in Malaysia,” he said.
“May his legacy endure.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history as the first Latin American elected pope, becoming the 266th pontiff in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
His death was announced by the Vatican on Easter Monday, with reports stating the cause was a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
