President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, extended his heartfelt condolences following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.
“We have lost today a loyal friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” President Abbas said. “He was a steadfast advocate for the values of peace, love, and faith across the world, a true champion of justice and peace.”
The President continued, “We offer our deepest condolences to the Vatican and to believers worldwide over the immense loss represented by Pope Francis’s passing. He was a symbol of tolerance, compassion, and brotherhood.”
Pope Francis had officially recognized the State of Palestine and raised its flag at the Vatican. During his visit to Bethlehem, he was received by President Abbas, prayed at the Church of the Nativity, and paused at the apartheid wall to pray for peace and an end to wars. He also called for an end to the war on Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis inflicted on the Palestinian people by the Israeli assault as disgraceful. Furthermore, he urged that the occupied city of Jerusalem remain open to worshippers and called for the implementation of international law regarding the city.
Pope Francis praised President Abbas’s efforts toward peace, describing him as an “angel of peace.” He also canonized two Palestinian nuns.
