Nalanda Buddhist Society Malaysia offers our deepest condolences to our Catholic brothers and sisters over the passing of Pope Francis earlier today on 21 April 2025.

Pope Francis was known for his tremendous humility, inclusiveness, and commitment to supporting the most marginalised communities and to interreligious dialogue.  He carried out his duties with a deep sense of responsibility and benevolence, touching the lives of the people he meets.  Pope Francis’ humility extends even beyond his life, opting for a simple wooden coffin instead of the elaborate arrangements associated with a traditional papal funeral.

The world has lost another humanistic voice of compassion, and a little of its shine today with his passing.  Now, as they say, ‘he belongs to eternity’; but we can take solace in that the good a man does lives after him.  May the late Pope Francis rest in Peace.

“When we have the opportunity to appreciate and esteem one another in spite of our differences, we offer a word of hope to the world, which can encourage and support those who increasingly suffer the harmful effects of conflict.”