LOGIC.co.id – The passing of Pope Francis on Monday morning (April 21, 2025) has brought profound sorrow across the globe, including in Palestine. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas paid his final respects to the Supreme Leader of the Catholic Church, calling him “a true friend of the Palestinian people.”
“Today, we have lost a true friend of the Palestinian people,” Abbas said in his official statement.
Pope’s Genuine Support for Palestine
Mahmoud Abbas emphasized that Pope Francis was a leader who supported the recognition of the State of Palestine. One of the most symbolic and historic gestures was when the Vatican allowed the Palestinian flag to be raised on its premises—a rare act that reflected solidarity.
Hamas: Pope Francis Opposed War and Genocide
Condolences also came from Hamas. Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim expressed appreciation for the Pope’s consistent stance against violence since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023.
“Pope Francis was a firm supporter of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, especially in his opposition to war and acts of genocide against our people in Gaza,” Naim said in his official statement.
Final Easter Message: Gaza in the Pope’s Prayers
Just one day before his death, Pope Francis delivered his Easter message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. In his speech, he expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Pope also condemned the rising wave of anti-Semitism across various parts of the world and once again called for an immediate ceasefire to save civilian lives.