Ayatollah Sistani Offers Condolences on the Passing of Pope

The Office of the Supreme Religious Authority Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Husseini Sistani on Monday offered his condolences on the passing of Pope Francis.

What follows is the full text of the Statement:

Your Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Vatican Secretary of State
Greetings and respect,

We received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff of the Vatican, who held a lofty spiritual status among many of the world’s peoples and was deeply respected by all for his distinguished role in promoting peace and tolerance, and for showing unwavering solidarity with those who are oppressed and marginalized across the globe.

The historic meeting between His Holiness and the Supreme Religious Authority in Najaf al-Ashraf marked a milestone of great significance. It affirmed the shared commitment of both leaders to the foundational role of faith in God Almighty and His divine messages, and to the noble ethical values essential for overcoming the profound challenges facing humanity today. It also emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to foster a culture of peaceful coexistence, to reject violence and hatred, and to uphold the principles of human fraternity based on mutual respect and the protection of rights among followers of all religions and philosophical paths.

The Supreme Religious Authority extends its heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the followers of the Catholic Church worldwide on this painful loss, and prays that they may find patience and solace. It beseeches God the Most High and All-Merciful that He bestow upon them and upon all humanity what is befitting His vast mercy of goodness, blessings, and peace.

[22 Shawwal 1446 AH, corresponding to April 21, 2025
Office of Sayyid al-Sistani (may his shadow be prolonged) – Najaf al-Ashraf

Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, friend of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and outspoken critic of Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza, passed away on Monday at Saint Martha’s House in Vatican City.

The Vatican announced that the pontiff died at the age of 88, following a prolonged struggle with health issues. In recent years, he mostly relied on a wheelchair or cane for mobility.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, stood in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel on Monday, where the deceased Pope lived, and announced that he died at 7:35 a.m. local time.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized,” Farrell stated.

His death came just one day after he made a brief appearance before thousands of Catholic pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for Easter Sunday.

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pontiff who worked hard to reform the Church.

Who was Pope Francis?

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was one of five children in a family of Italian descent.

He graduated as a chemical technician before choosing the path of the priesthood, entering the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto in his hometown.

In 1958, he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus, completed his studies in the humanities in Chile, and returned to Argentina in 1963 to graduate from the Colegio de San José in San Miguel.

From 1964 to 1965, he taught literature and psychology in Santa Fé, and in 1966, he continued teaching the same subjects in Buenos Aires. A year later, he began studying theology and earned a degree from the Colegio de San José in 1970.

Bergoglio was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1969 and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992, Archbishop in 1998, and a cardinal in 2001, appointed by Pope John Paul II.

Known for his humility, advocacy for social justice, and commitment to a simple lifestyle, Bergoglio gained recognition as a pastoral leader devoted to the poor, though his role during Argentina’s Dirty War (1976–1983) drew criticism.