Tributes poured in from Pakistan’s national leadership and church officials following the death of Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome, whose papacy left a global mark on peace, justice and interfaith dialogue.
The Vatican announced the pope’s passing on Easter Monday, a day after he was seen riding through St. Peter’s Square in an open-air popemobile, greeting cheering crowds during Easter Sunday Mass. He was 88 and had recently battled a serious case of double pneumonia.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his condolences, praising Pope Francis for his legacy of humility and compassion.
“The passing of Pope Francis is an irreparable loss for the entire world, especially the Christian community,” Sharif said in a statement issued by his office. “On behalf of the government of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan, I extend heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Vatican City, the global Christian community and all his admirers around the world.”
The pontiff had reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his Easter appearance, which Sharif described as a reflection of his “deeply humane” character.
“Under his leadership, the Catholic Church spread the message of love, tolerance, and mutual respect across the world,” the prime minister said.
President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute to the late pope, commending his commitment to interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. “His passing is a great loss not only for Christians, but for all those who value peace and dialogue among religions,” he said.
“While honoring Pope Francis’ services, he will be remembered for his efforts to promote peace, social justice, interfaith dialogue, and the well-being of the most vulnerable communities worldwide,” Zardari added.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed the sentiment. “His Holiness demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering unity among world religions, advocating for the oppressed, and promoting the inherent dignity of all humankind. Pakistan deeply valued his tireless efforts to enhance mutual respect and understanding among diverse cultures and faiths,” the ministry said in a statement.
Lawmakers in the Punjab Provincial Assembly and the Senate observed a one-minute silence in honor of the pope.
Church leaders across Pakistan also issued condolences and reflected on Pope Francis’ impact on the global Christian community and beyond.
Bishop Samuel Robert Azariah, director of the Christian Study Centre, said the pope’s Easter Sunday appearance underscored his steadfast dedication to his people. “From his wheelchair, he blessed thousands gathered for the Easter Mass, embodying the resilience and love that defined his papacy,” Azariah said.
“Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis left an indelible legacy of mercy, servanthood, ecology, and sodality. His emphasis on mercy, as seen in his 2015 Jubilee of Mercy where he declared, ‘No one can be excluded from the mercy of God,’ reshaped the Church’s approach to pastoral care,” he said.
Azariah also highlighted the pope’s ecological advocacy through his encyclical Laudato Si’, and his controversial decision in 2025 to dissolve the Sodality of Christian Life to address systemic issues and pursue justice for victims.
“As a center dedicated to theological education and interfaith understanding, we at the Christian Study Centre are deeply inspired by Pope Francis’s vision of a ‘field hospital’ Church—one that heals wounds and seeks out the excluded,” he said.
Rt. Rev. Nadeem Kamran, bishop of the Lahore Diocese of the Church of Pakistan, described Pope Francis as “a true ambassador of peace and a tireless advocate for the marginalized.”
“He dedicated his entire life to the service of the Lord and the Church, embodying the true meaning of peace, love, and humility, and showing the world the authentic face of the Church,” Kamran said.
Bishop Humphrey Sarfaraz Peters of the Peshawar Diocese called the pope’s contributions to peace and interfaith harmony “unforgettable.”
“Pope Francis’ leadership brought a message of love, unity, and service—not only to the Christian world but to all of humanity,” Peters said. “He will be remembered for his tireless efforts to promote interreligious understanding, social justice, and the dignity of every human being.
Archbishop Joseph Arshad of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rawalpindi said the Church in Pakistan was deeply saddened by the pope’s death.
“He has been a fatherly figure not just for the Christian community but also for all humanity. His tireless services for the care of the universe, brotherhood, interfaith harmony and peace in the world are remarkable,” Arshad said.
“We have lost today a true shepherd of the souls. May God grant him reward of eternal life.”
