Hamas and Palestinian Authority Mourn Pope Francis: A Champion of Palestinian Rights
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Palestinian leaders from both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) mourned the death of Pope Francis on Monday, praising his strong support for the Palestinian cause and global peace.
Dr. Bassem Naim, senior political bureau member of Hamas, said the Pope played a key role in promoting dialogue between religions and in advancing peace worldwide.
“He was among the most prominent supporters of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” Naim said. “His clear and principled stance against war and genocide in Gaza over the past months was a rare voice of conscience.”
Naim called Pope Francis’ passing a “great loss,” noting that his absence leaves a difficult void to fill. He offered heartfelt condolences to the Pope’s followers and the Vatican.
From Ramallah, senior Palestinian Authority official Dr. Ahmad Majdalani, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front, extended condolences to the Holy See and all Christians worldwide.
He said the Pope had been a symbol of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. “He always stood with the oppressed and spoke out against violence and war,” Majdalani said. “The Palestinian people and the world have lost a sincere friend who defended justice and the rights of the oppressed.”
Majdalani praised the Pope for recognizing the State of Palestine, raising its flag in the Vatican, and continuously calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza. “We will always remember his strong and supportive positions on our national rights,” he added.
Pope Francis passed away Monday in Rome at the age of 88 after a long struggle with severe pneumonia. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he appeared weak but smiling among thousands in Saint Peter’s Square.
