22-04-2025
The compassion and humility of Pope Francis won him admirers from all the world's faiths
SIR – As a British Muslim, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Growing up, I attended a Catholic primary school. Given my faith, this may seem unusual, but I never felt out of place. Those formative years gave me an insight into the values common to all religions – compassion, charity, humility and service to others.
Francis embodied these principles. Throughout his papacy, he demonstrated immense sympathy for people suffering under the heavy weight of warfare, persecution and injustice. He used his platform to advocate for the poor and marginalised, and to build bridges across religious divides. At a time when division often dominates headlines, he reminded the world that faith can be a force for unity and healing.
I am a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, which continues to face persecution in many parts of the world, and was especially touched when Francis welcomed our representatives to the Vatican with warmth and grace – a gesture we will always hold dear. It reflected the best of interfaith dialogue, grounded in mutual respect, shared values and human dignity.
Francis's passing is not only a loss for the Catholic Church, but for all of us who want a more compassionate world. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Catholics around the globe. May the Catholic Church soon find a leader who will continue his remarkable legacy.
Malik Fraz Ahmad
Bradford, West Yorkshire
SIR – President Donald Trump described Pope Francis as a 'good man' who 'worked hard and loved the world' (report, April 21). This is a very limited view of a person who devoted his life to making the world a better place, in contrast with Mr Trump's efforts just to make his own world a better place.
Francis was beloved by billions of people and respected by those of other faiths. He led the way to a more accepting Catholic Church. Those who didn't agree with him, or even openly opposed his changes, were still welcome in his house.
We need great people to set examples for us to follow, and we have lost one such person.
Dennis Fitzgerald
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
SIR – I agree with Nicholas Crean (Letters, April 22) about how the deaths of Elizabeth II and Pope Francis have left huge gaps for so many people across the world.
They both dedicated their lives to others. How fitting it was for His Holiness to say farewell to this world at Easter.
Alexandra Elletson
Marlborough, Wiltshire
SIR – Christians, and indeed all women and men of goodwill, should not merely compete with anecdotes and quotes, but also respond to the challenges Francis has thrown out to the Church and the world.
Richard Stranack
Exmouth, Devon
SIR – It should be noted that not all Catholics regarded Francis as a good Pope.
His tenure, like Justin Welby's time as Archbishop of Canterbury, represents a wasted period for the Church in an increasingly hostile world.
This will become clear when honest and objective critical biographies begin to appear, untainted by immediate post-death sentimentality.
Adrian Barrett
Haywards Heath, West Sussex
SIR – Upon the passing of our Pope, I – and, I'm sure, many other Catholics – hope and pray that the time has arrived for us to ordain married and women priests.
Nicky Samengo-Turner
Lambourn, Berkshire
