Pope Francis was an apostle of peace and harmony, says Archbishop Joseph Pamplany
Speaking on the occasion of memorial prayers for Pope Francis, Archbishop Pamplany said his death was a great loss to the world.
He said the Pope held a firm and unwavering belief that the Kingdom of God could only be established on earth through harmony and love among religions. 'Pope Francis was an apostle of peace who responded not with force, but with compassion, when imperial powers like Israel, America, or Russia chose the path of violence. He urged the world to look into the face of humanity,' the Archbishop added.
One of the defining aspects of his papacy, he noted, was the Pope's emphasis on inclusive dialogue. 'He brought together bishops from around the world to formulate a shared vision, encouraging mutual understanding, and calling on all to pay attention to others.'
Archbishop Pamplany also highlighted Pope Francis's historic meeting with the Grand Imam of Abu Dhabi as a landmark moment in global interfaith relations.
Reflecting on the Pope's background, he described him as a man of deep humility, shaped by his Latin American roots and driven by a strong sense of duty. He consistently stood with the poor and voiced concern for the marginalised. Pope Francis also brought a revolutionary spirit to Church governance, insisting that decisions be made not unilaterally by those in power, but through unity and mutual understanding, he said.
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