By Shaikh Ahmad Kutty
The passing of Pope Francis marks a profound moment for the Catholic Church and humanity. His life of compassion and humility left a lasting impact, touching hearts across faiths and continents. For many Muslims, his legacy brings not just sorrow, but also reflection, admiration, and prayer.
As the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis was a global moral voice. His advocacy for peace, social justice, and human dignity resonated deeply, aligning with core Islamic values. He spoke for the oppressed and called for interfaith understanding. His tireless work for the poor reflected the values of mercy (raḥmah), empathy, and solidarity that Islam cherishes.
The Qur’an honors followers of Jesus (ʿĪsā, peace be upon him), with these words:
And We instilled in the hearts of those who followed him compassion and mercy.” (Qur’an 57:27)
Pope Francis embodied this verse. He showed tenderness to the vulnerable and a deep concern for the suffering—qualities of ra’fah (gentle compassion) and raḥmah (mercy) that Islam affirms as divine gifts.
A defining aspect of his papacy was his clear stance on Palestine, especially his support for the people of Gaza. He consistently called for peace in the Holy Land, urging an end to violence and injustice. He advocated for a just two-state solution based on dialogue and dignity. In his final months, he prayed daily for Gaza and spoke against the humanitarian crisis. His appeals were spiritual, rooted in human dignity.
In 2019, during his historic visit to the United Arab Emirates, Pope Francis signed the Document on Human Fraternity with Dr. Ahmad el-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar. This important declaration called for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, reaffirming the shared ethical ground between Islam and Christianity.
He also revitalized A Common Word Between Us and You, a 2007 letter from Muslim scholars to Christian leaders. This letter emphasized love of God and love of neighbor as the foundation of both faiths. Pope Francis didn’t just support this vision—he lived it, building trust and encouraging meaningful dialogue.
Pope Francis showed deep appreciation for Islam and its spiritual heritage. He admired its values of compassion, justice, and care for the marginalized. His humility resonated with many Muslims, who saw in him a leader embodying the Islamic ideal of rahmah—mercy to all.
Muslims mourn Pope Francis not just as a Christian leader, but as a bearer of moral courage and spiritual grace. His advocacy for the poor and his challenge to inequality and climate injustice echoed the Qur’anic call to uplift the downtrodden and protect the earth.
Islam teaches that all humanity is one family. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reminded us of this unity when he said:
“O people! Truly, your Lord is One, and your father is one… No Arab is superior to a non-Arab, nor is a black person superior to a white—except through taqwā (piety and righteousness).” (Reported by Ahmad and others)
The Qur’an reinforces this message:
O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. The most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Qur’an, 49:13)
These universal truths were reflected in Pope Francis’s commitment to building bridges, not walls. He walked with the marginalized, listened to the silenced, and uplifted the dignity of all people.
For Muslims, his life is a beacon of shared values. In Islam, death marks a doorway, not an end. The legacy of those who champion justice and lead with love shines brightly.
The passing of Pope Francis is a deep loss for the Catholic Church and all humanity. His example calls us to renew our dedication to peace, compassion, and justice. May his memory inspire us to build bridges and amplify the voices of the unheard. Let us honor his legacy through prayer, reflection, and meaningful action.