Arab, foreign diplomats unite in Kuwait to mourn Pope Francis

• Ambassador Bishop Eugene Nugent said, “The world comes together today to honor the profound religious and legislative legacy of Pope Francis,” highlighting that he was the first pope from South America, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European to hold the papacy in centuries.

In a moment reflecting Pope Francis’s global influence, a large number of Arab and foreign ambassadors and diplomats accredited to Kuwait gathered at the Vatican Embassy to offer condolences on his passing, marking the end of his 12-year leadership of the Catholic Church.

Ambassador Bishop Eugene Nugent, speaking on the sidelines, said, “The world comes together today to honor the profound religious and legislative legacy of Pope Francis,” highlighting that he was the first pope from South America, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European to hold the papacy in centuries.

He praised Pope Francis for his humility, openness, and dedication to marginalized communities, noting his weekly visits to Rome’s prisons and his advocacy for peace in Gaza, the Middle East, and Ukraine. Nugent also emphasized the Pope’s efforts to strengthen interfaith dialogue, especially through historic visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Iraq, calling his legacy one that will endure for generations.

The Pope was a voice against violence and war. – H.E. Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, the UAE Ambassador to Kuwait

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, the UAE Ambassador to Kuwait, expressed deep sorrow, noting that the world had lost a figure who embodied peace and tolerance. He added, “The Pope was a voice against violence and war, and a man who called for coexistence.”

Pope Francis was imbued with a humanitarian spirit. – H.E. Saleh Al Kharousi,  Omani ambassador to Kuwait

His Excellency Saleh Al Kharousi, the Omani ambassador to Kuwait, said, “The world has lost a global figure who strived to establish peace and foster unity among religions, especially between Christianity and Islam.” He added that the Pope was imbued with a humanitarian spirit, expressing hope that his successor would continue the path of rapprochement between peoples and faiths.

We are working to build bridges between civilizations and between Islam and Christianity. – H.E. Vladimir Zhelto,  Russian Ambassador to Kuwait

For his part, His Excellency Vladimir Zhelto, the Russian Ambassador, said, “We offer our condolences on the passing of Pope Francis,” noting, “There is still a long way to go in bridging the gap between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Churches, but we are on the path of building bridges and fostering dialogue between the two churches and civilizations.”

He added, “We are convinced that the Christian faith, in all its forms, holds lofty human values that unite believers across all Christian denominations. We, too, are working to build bridges between civilizations and between Islam and Christianity.”

He continued, “We hope to find common ground that will help us achieve lasting peace, regardless of the circumstances, while considering the interests of all parties—not just one. We are seeking solutions that are acceptable to all, without political concessions.”

Pope Francis was one of the most courageous religious figures. – H.E. Mohammad Totonji, Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait

His Excellency Mohammad Totonji, the Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait, said, “In these difficult global circumstances, the world has lost Pope Francis, one of the most courageous religious figures—he valiantly defended the causes of peoples, especially immigrants, and stood firmly for the Ukrainian and Palestinian causes. He condemned the barbaric bombing of innocents in Gaza, called for reforms within the Catholic Church, and rejected the prevailing consumerist culture.”

He added that the late Pope had the utmost respect for Iran and all nations rooted in ancient civilizations, and that his passing, at such a sensitive time and as the spiritual leader of millions of followers, is an irreplaceable loss.

Pope Francis was a symbol of humanity. – H.E. Ahmed Arafa, Lebanese Chargé d’Affaires to Kuwait

For his part, Ahmed Arafa, the Lebanese Chargé d’Affaires, said, “The Pope was a symbol of humanity, and we cannot forget his moving prayers at the Vatican during the coronavirus pandemic,” adding, “Lebanon has lost a great friend who always kept it in his prayers.”

In the same vein, Armenian Orthodox Archbishop Bedros Manuelian said, “The Pope opened a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and left a lasting mark on interfaith dialogue with Muslims.”

Father Bigol Anba Bishoy, pastor of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Kuwait, said, “The late Pope was a symbol of love and peace, and a champion of the marginalized.”