Congress condoles Pope Francis’ demise; pontiff left behind valuable legacy, says Kharge

Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

The Congress on Monday (April 21, 2025) expressed sadness over the passing away of Pope Francis and offered condolences to the Christian community. “The entire world is saddened by the passing away of Pope Francis who will be seen by posterity as being hugely consequential,” read the statement issued by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

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Mr. Kharge described the Pope as a consistent champion of inter-religious understanding and an influential force for global peace and harmony.

“He was a consistent champion of inter-religious understanding and engagement. He was also a greatly influential force for global peace and harmony who actively supported causes like the ending of discrimination of all forms, the mitigation of economic inequalities and of collaborative endeavours to deal with the impacts of climate change,” Mr. Kharge said.

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The Congress president said Pope Francis was truly an iconic personality, a humanitarian par excellence, who has left behind a very valuable legacy.

“On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I extend our sincere condolences to our Christian brethren especially in different parts of our country and the world,” the Congress chief said.

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also condoled the passing of Pope Francis, whom he decribed as a “global voice of compassion, justice, and peace.”

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis is a loss to the entire world.

“He was truly an embodiment of love and compassion. He stood for the truth, he spoke out fearlessly against injustice and cared for the poor and marginalised in true faith. He was an inspiration to millions across the world who hope and strive for a more peaceful and kinder world. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she said in her message on X.

(With inputs from PTI)