Lucknow : Former Acting Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and National President of the All India Minorities Forum for Democracy, Dr. Ammar Rizvi, expressed profound sorrow over the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, describing the loss as deeply shocking and spiritually devastating for the world.
In a heartfelt tribute, Dr. Rizvi said, “Pope Francis’s presence in this world was like a beacon of light in the darkness. He dedicated his life to serving suffering humanity and uplifting the downtrodden. To him, all of mankind was a divine creation, and every living being a child of the Creator.”
Dr. Rizvi further highlighted the late Pope’s unwavering commitment to peace and justice. “Wherever there was violence on this planet, his voice always rose to call for peace and to halt the madness. He was fair and just in both word and deed,” he remarked.
Calling Pope Francis “an angel in human form,” Dr. Rizvi emphasized that the void created by his departure will be extremely difficult to fill. “The legacy of compassion, humility, and universal brotherhood that he leaves behind will remain a guiding force for generations to come,” he added. Dr. Rizvi concluded his statement with a prayer: “May God bless his noble soul with eternal peace.”
Pope Francis, the 266th Pope, led the Catholic Church with a focus on humility and social justice. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he was the first Latin American Pope. He was known for his simple lifestyle, choosing to reside in the Vatican’s guesthouse rather than the papal apartments. His encyclicals, like Laudato si’, address climate change and inequality. Francis advocated for interfaith dialogue and has emphasized compassion for marginalized communities, including refugees and the poor. His progressive stance on certain social issues has resonated with many, while also sparking debate within the Church.
