
Saudi Leadership, MWL Offer Condolences over Death of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, history's first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor, died on Monday. He was 88.
Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to hospital on February 14 for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.
Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa offered his condolences to the Vatican and Catholics over the pope's death.
He spoke of his 'great friendship' with Pope Francis and 'the impact it had on cooperation between the MWL and Vatican in serving common goals.'
In a post on the X platform, Al-Issa praised Pope Francis' 'wisdom, just stances and positive contributions, especially towards the Muslim world and its causes.'
He highlighted his 'strong and honorable position towards Palestinian rights and his condemnation of the barbaric crimes in Gaza.'
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