Lebanon’s president Joseph Aoun, officials mourn death of Pope Francis

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and other prominent figures expressed heartfelt condolences following the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 88 in Vatican City after a period of declining health.

Aoun, who assumed the presidency in January after leading the Lebanese Armed Forces, mourned the pontiff as a “dear friend and strong supporter” of Lebanon. “We will never forget his repeated calls to protect Lebanon and preserve its identity and diversity,” Aoun said in a statement on the presidency’s X account, calling Francis’s passing “a loss for all humanity.”

Pope Francis, known for his outreach across faiths and his progressive leadership of the Catholic Church, often spotlighted Lebanon as a model of religious coexistence and pluralism. During his papacy, he called for international solidarity with Lebanon during its ongoing economic and political crises, and in 2021 designated a Global Day of Prayer for the country after the horrendous port blast that had taken hundreds of innocent lives.

Melhem Riachi, a member of Parliament and senior official in the Lebanese Forces Christian party, also reflected on the Pope’s legacy. “He was a great supporter of the Lebanese, of social peace and coexistence,” Riachi said. “He was an active person in the mission of this country. His Holiness confirmed that Lebanon is a message of peace and pluralism and a deep respect for human life.”

The Pope’s death comes at a time when Lebanon is still grappling with a prolonged financial collapse and deep political gridlock. Yet his voice remained a moral compass for many Lebanese, across religious divides, who viewed him as a global advocate for peace and dignity.

Funeral preparations are underway in Vatican City, where leaders from around the world are expected to gather to honor the life of Pope Francis.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and other prominent figures expressed heartfelt condolences following the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 88 in Vatican City after a period of declining health.

Aoun, who assumed the presidency in January after leading the Lebanese Armed Forces, mourned the pontiff as a “dear friend and strong supporter” of Lebanon. “We will never forget his repeated calls to protect Lebanon and preserve its identity and diversity,” Aoun said in a statement on the presidency’s X account, calling Francis’s passing “a loss for all humanity.”

Pope Francis, known for his outreach across faiths and his progressive leadership of the Catholic Church, often spotlighted Lebanon as a model of religious coexistence and pluralism. During his papacy, he called for international solidarity with Lebanon during its ongoing economic and political crises, and in 2021 designated a Global Day of Prayer for the country after the horrendous port blast that had taken hundreds of innocent lives.

Melhem Riachi, a member of Parliament and senior official in the Lebanese Forces Christian party, also reflected on the Pope’s legacy. “He was a great supporter of the Lebanese, of social peace and coexistence,” Riachi said. “He was an active person in the mission of this country. His Holiness confirmed that Lebanon is a message of peace and pluralism and a deep respect for human life.”

The Pope’s death comes at a time when Lebanon is still grappling with a prolonged financial collapse and deep political gridlock. Yet his voice remained a moral compass for many Lebanese, across religious divides, who viewed him as a global advocate for peace and dignity.

Funeral preparations are underway in Vatican City, where leaders from around the world are expected to gather to honor the life of Pope Francis.

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