KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 — Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church who died today, will be remembered not only as the first pope from the Global South, but as a moral voice of compassion, humility and justice in a turbulent world, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar posted on Facebook today that Pope Francis’ commitment to interfaith understanding, environmental stewardship and the dignity of the marginalised resonated far beyond the Catholic Church.
“Pope Francis was a steadfast advocate for peace and his efforts to build bridges across faiths and cultures earned the respect of many, including in the Muslim world.
“He spoke with moral clarity on the immense suffering in Gaza, reminding the world that we must show the same compassion to all victims of violence, wherever they may be,” he said.
Anwar added that the pope championed the dignity of migrants and refugees, urging the global community to respond to their plight with humanity.
He said the pope’s life of service and quiet strength brought to mind the words of the Bard (William 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 said he had the honour of visiting Pope Francis during his early days at the Vatican.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
“On behalf of the government and Malaysians, I extend our deepest condolences to the Holy See, to Catholics around the world, and especially to the Catholic community in Malaysia.
“May his legacy endure,” he said.
Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, died today aged 88.
He had long battled various health issues, including “asthma-like respiratory crises” associated with thrombocytopenia.
— Bernama
