New Delhi, Apr 21 (UNI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday expressed sadness over the passing away of Pope Francis.
Taking to his social media handle X, Kharge said, “The entire world is saddened by the passing away of Pope Francis who will be seen by posterity as being hugely consequential”.
Calling Pope Francis “a consistent champion of inter-religious understanding and engagement”, the Congress president said, “He was a greatly influential force for global peace and harmony who actively supported causes like the ending of discrimination of all forms, the mitigation of economic inequalities and of collaborative endeavours to deal with the impacts of climate change”.
“He was truly an iconic personality, a humanitarian par excellence, who has left behind a very valuable legacy,” Kharge said.
The Opposition leader in the Rajya Sabha, on behalf of the Indian National Congress, extended sincere condolences to the Christian brethren especially in different parts of the country and the world.
Rahul Gandhi while expressing condolence said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a global voice of compassion, justice, and peace”.
“He stood by the downtrodden and the marginalised, spoke fearlessly against inequality, and inspired millions across faiths with his message of love and humanity. My thoughts are with the Catholic community in India and around the world,” Gandhi said.
Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that the passing away of “His Holiness Pope Francis is a loss to the entire world”.
She said “He was truly an embodiment of love and compassion and stood for the truth, he spoke out fearlessly against injustice and cared for the poor and marginalised in true faith”.
“He was an inspiration to millions across the world who hope and strive for a more peaceful and kinder world.
May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Priyanka added.
