His death leaves an indelible mark not only on the Catholic Church but on all Christian churches, communities, and indeed, on all of humanity. Pope Francis was a great spiritual father who brought the Church and the message of faith to the heart of society and into the hearts of the people. He was the voice of the poor and the marginalised, always siding with them. His clear moral stances and Christian vision were often ahead of their time—challenging for contemporary norms to fully grasp.
Yet the greatest glory of his ministry lies in how he managed to unite the human race through the thread of Christian love—a love that we continue to see and feel even today. One particular aspect I wish to highlight is his consistent advocacy for the forgotten, the neglected, and the downtrodden. Pope Francis was a spiritual leader who took bold and unwavering positions in the global arena for justice, human rights, and peace, serving as a voice for the voiceless. It is this moral clarity and unwavering compassion that make him irreplaceable.
He worked tirelessly to strengthen ecumenical relations with other Christian churches, always emphasizing unity—especially with the Orthodox churches. I know this personally. I have seen his deep, sincere interest in every theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox and other Christian churches.
He continued striving to unite all Christian denominations under one umbrella, bearing witness to Christian love and unity before the world until his final days.
Another memory I hold close to my heart is the deep relationship he maintained with the Syrian Orthodox Church. I remember the visit of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II to the Vatican in 2015. The late Catholicos, His Beatitude Baselios Thomas I, His Beatitude Baselios Joseph Catholicos, and I were present with the Patriarch. That day, we were graciously hosted in the Pope’s residence. I vividly recall the warmth of his welcome and the love he extended to us. The Pope referred to the Patriarch as “my elder brother”—though the Patriarch was half his age. This was a reflection of the Pope’s deep respect for the ancient heritage of Antioch. Such humility and generosity are the hallmarks of Pope Francis’s greatness.
There is one moment I will never forget: during a meeting in Rome, I spoke about the tragic kidnapping of Metropolitan Ibrahim of Aleppo by terrorists. Normally, after such a speech, I would approach the Pope kiss his hand. But before I could move, he rose from his chair, embraced me, and offered comfort. I will never forget the warmth and compassion in that embrace.
I had the honor of meeting the Holy Father at least once a year during various ecumenical gatherings. Each time, I was moved by his love, concern, and his inclusive, far-reaching vision for Christian unity.
There is no doubt that the passing of Pope Francis—this messenger of peace—is a profound loss for the world. Yet the love, brotherhood, and generosity of spirit that he shared with the world will endure, so long as humanity exists.
On behalf of the Catholicos of the Jacobite Syrian Church, the bishops, clergy, and all the faithful, I offer our deepest condolences. The passing of Pope Francis is not merely a sorrow for the Catholic Church—it is a loss for all of humanity. I extend our heartfelt sympathies to all the faithful of the Catholic Church who mourn his passing, and I pray for the eternal peace of the soul of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Dr. Kuriakose Mor Theophilos