A message sent to the Lusa news agency by Rana Taslim Ud-Din highlights the meeting with Pope Francis in Portugal during the World Youth Day (WYD) in 2023, emphasizing that “even in moments of great solemnity, his few words revealed the greatness of the man he was.”
“Pope Francis was an example of humility, compassion, and wisdom, and his leadership, always marked by caring for the most vulnerable, was a beacon of hope for millions around the world,” he stated.
Rana Taslim Ud-Din noted that Pope Francis’s pontificate “was characterized by a profound dedication to social justice, human dignity, and the promotion of peace, themes that were always dear to his heart.”
“Pope Francis was an unwavering voice in defending the poor, marginalized, silenced, and all those who, for various reasons, were left on the margins of society. His advocacy for environmental protection and human solidarity, as well as his fight for a fairer economy, will leave a lasting mark on the history of the Church and the contemporary world,” he affirmed.
The leader of the Bangladeshi community added that Pope Francis “not only guided the Church but also became a moral and spiritual reference for people of all beliefs, always focused on building a more just and fraternal world.”
The Bangladeshi community calls for the legacy of faith, kindness, and courage of Pope Francis “to continue to inspire everyone and illuminate the paths of humanity.”
Pope Francis passed away today at 07:35 local time (06:35 in Lisbon) at the Casa Santa Marta residence, in Vatican City, due to a stroke.
Born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, Francis was the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis was hospitalized for 38 days due to bilateral pneumonia and was discharged on March 23.
His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, in the Vatican, the day before his death.
