Hamas offers condolences on the death of Pope Francis, praises his stance on peace

In an unusual and striking message of condolence, the Resistance Movement, Hamas, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, who passed away at the age of 88.

In a public statement released on Monday, Hamas extended heartfelt sympathies to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and Christians worldwide, acknowledging the Pope’s lifelong commitment to promoting human dignity, religious values, and global harmony.

Hamas praised Pope Francis for his outspoken advocacy for interfaith dialogue, peace, and mutual respect. The group highlighted the Pope’s consistent denunciation of war, racism, and aggression, especially noting his vocal condemnation of violence and what it described as war crimes committed against Palestinians in Gaza.

“Pope Francis was a global voice of conscience who stood firmly against injustice, genocide, and occupation,” the statement read. Hamas also emphasised the Pope’s dedication to moral and humanitarian causes.

Commending his legacy, the group urged continued cooperation among followers of all Abrahamic faiths and people of conscience to resist oppression and uphold universal principles of justice, freedom, and the rights of marginalised communities.

The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis’s passing through a video message on Monday. The Argentine-born pontiff was the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church and was widely respected for his progressive stances.