* He was vocal critic of oppression: MPAC
* Pontiff for burial at St. Mary Basilica Saturday
Palestinian resistance group, Hamas has reacted to the news of the death of Pope Francis, who died on Monday, at the age of 88, saying he was “a steadfast advocate for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly in his unwavering stance against the war and acts of genocide” against the people of Gaza.
“Today, the world mourns the passing of a prominent global religious figure, His Holiness Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, who dedicated his papacy to fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting peace across the globe,” Hamas official Basem Naim said in a statement.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also reacted to the news, saying Pope Francis was a ‘faithful friend’ of the Palestinian people.
PA calls him “loyal friend of Palestinian people”
President Mahmoud Abbas called Francis a “loyal friend of the Palestinian people” and a “strong defender of peace, love and faith”.
He said the pope’s support for Palestinian rights and justice never wavered, noting that Francis “recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican.
Pope was vocal critic of injustice: MPAC
In a tribute, Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, also mourned Pope Francis’ passing and extended her condolences to “the entire Catholic community in Nigeria, and the whole Christian community affected by the loss of this remarkable religious icon. Pope Francis led the Catholic Church since 2013.”
In a statement signed by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, the group said, “Pope Francis was a vocal critic of injustice and oppression. His consistent criticism of the Israeli war in Gaza highlighted the suffering of the Palestinian people and brought international attention to their plight.”
“In his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, a day before his death, he gave a message through an aide urging a ceasefire in Gaza and describing the humanitarian situation as “deplorable”.
MPAC said, “His leadership and advocacy for peace and justice will be deeply missed.”
“In December 2024, after an Israeli strike on Jabalia killed seven children, he said: “This is cruelty, this is not war.”
“The Pope’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of religious leaders and icons to stand up for human rights and dignity of all peoples.
“May Pope Francis’s legacy inspire us to work towards a more just and peaceful world.”
As Pontiff will be buried on Saturday
Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced Tuesday.
The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
Following the funeral, the pope’s coffin will be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.
In accordance with his personal wishes, Francis will not be buried in the Vatican grottoes but instead at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a church he visited more than 100 times during his papacy, before and after international trips.
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