Syrian President Ahmad Shar’a on Wednesday extended his condolences to the Roman Catholic community on the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88. He noted that the Pope stood by the Syrian people during their darkest times.
اضافة اعلان
"I extend my condolences to the Roman Catholic community on the passing of Pope Francis," President Shar’a said, as quoted by the Syrian presidency on the platform X.
He added, "For years, Pope Francis stood by the Syrian people in their darkest hours and consistently raised his voice against the violence and injustice inflicted upon them."
Shar’a continued, "His calls transcended political borders, and his legacy of courage, morality, and solidarity will live on in the hearts of many in our nation."
The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis on Monday morning at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City, following a decline in his health since February 18.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was of Argentine origin and born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires to a family of immigrant workers.
He chose the name Francis in honor of the famed Christian saint and officially began his papacy on March 19, 2013.
Upon his election, Bergoglio became the first pope from Latin America, the first member of the Jesuit order to become pope—one of the most influential religious orders in the Catholic Church—and the first ever to adopt the name "Francis."
On December 8, 2024, Syrian factions took control of the capital Damascus, along with other cities, ending 61 years of Ba'athist rule and 53 years of Assad family control.
On January 29, 2025, the new Syrian administration announced the appointment of Shar’a as the transitional president for a five-year period.
(Anadolu)
