Pakistani Church: Pope Francis a ‘beacon of hope’ for humanity

The Archbishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi expresses the deep sorrow of Catholics and non-Catholics in the country. The ‘courage’ to bring people who are often ‘discarded’ to the ‘front line’. From interreligious harmony to ecological issues, gestures that are ‘testimony to his deep commitment to unity’. Looking ahead to the next conclave, so that ‘the Holy Spirit may guide the cardinals’.

Lahore (AsiaNews) - The Church in Pakistan is ‘deeply saddened’ by the death of Pope Francis, a ‘father figure not only for the Christian community, but for all humanity,’ writes Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi.

In a message sent to AsiaNews the prelate emphasizes the ‘tireless service for the care of the universe, brotherhood, interreligious harmony and peace in the world’ of the pontiff who died on 21 April. ‘He was a beacon of hope for humanity,’ the prelate emphasised. We have lost a true shepherd of souls. The Catholic Church in Pakistan expresses its deep sorrow at the death of His Holiness and prays that God will grant him the reward of eternal life.’

Fr. Bonnie Mendes, one of the most authoritative and respected figures in the Church in Pakistan, recalls the ‘surprise’ at the time of the election in March 2013, because ‘no one expected a pope from Argentina.’

And again, the challenge he launched to ‘live and preach’ the Gospel by showing ‘full trust’ in God. Now all eyes are on the next conclave, which is why he invites everyone to pray that ‘the Holy Spirit will guide the cardinals’ in choosing a pontiff ‘of our time’. The pope has brought a completely new ethos to the Church,‘ emphasises Fr. Mendes. “He said that he wanted priests who were close to the people.’

And again, the ”courage’ to bring to the ‘forefront’ people who were often ‘discarded’ in the past, such as Fr. Gustavo Guiterrez as guest speaker at the International Assembly of Caritas in 2015, as Mother Teresa was in 1982. Then there are the meetings with some Islamic heads of state and leading figures of the Shiite and Sunni Muslim communities, together with global institutions with a forward-looking vision capable of anticipating the times.

‘Pope Francis enjoyed talking to young people and always made sure to meet young people on his trips abroad,’ continues the priest, who finally highlights three other elements: his “relaxed” gaze, his attention to saints such as Fr Joseph Vaz, and the fight against child abuse.

Yousaf Benjamin, CEO of DIGNITY First and CYRIL News, said he learned of the Pope's passing ‘with deep sadness.’ ‘His leadership, compassion and dedication to global peace, ecological protection and the promotion of interfaith harmony touched the lives of people around the world, regardless of their faith,’ he added.

He also recalls the pontiff's ‘tireless efforts to bridge divides and promote understanding between different religions and cultures,’ which will remain a ‘testimony to his deep commitment to unity. His loss will be deeply felt by the Catholic Church and all those who have been inspired by his message of hope and unity.’

Fr. Khalid Rashid Asi recalls to AsiaNews the bond with the local Church, starting with the many appointments of bishops, from the election to the rank of cardinal of the emeritus archbishop of Karachi Joseph Coutts, who ‘is a source of pride for Pakistan.’

Among the appointments are those of Msgr. Benny Mario Travas as archbishop of Karachi; Msgr. Indrias Rehmatand in Faisalabad; Msgr. Joseph Arshad in Rawalpindi; Msgr. Yousaf Sohan in Multan; Msgr. Samson Shukardin in Hyderabad; and finally, Msgr. Khalid Rehmat in Quetta. Furthermore, the priest continues, Francis ‘has sent a message to the world that the Church in Pakistan is not alone and that we are always at the side of the community.’

As in many other Muslim-majority areas, he has promoted ‘peaceful dialogue with Muslim leaders in Pakistan for a tolerant society and has always encouraged the Pakistani leadership.’ ‘Pope Francis’ love for the poor, orphans, widows and the oppressed,’ he continues, ’shows that he is today's Mother Teresa.’

Finally, the pontiff ‘has repeatedly expressed his solidarity with the Christian community in Pakistan, in 2015 when two churches in Lahore were bombed by extremists and in 2023 after the Jaranwal incident, strongly condemning these incidents and calling for prayers for Pakistani Christians. He has always prayed,’ concludes Fr. Khalid, ’for peace, brotherhood and religious freedom in Pakistan and has made every effort to achieve this goal.’