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Pope Francis’s passing on April 21, 2025, marks the end of an era for one of the most influential religious leaders of the modern age.
Revered by millions, particularly the marginalised and downtrodden, his legacy is defined by a fierce commitment to social justice, a vocal opposition to the forces of neoliberalism, and an unwavering stand for peace, especially in Gaza. His critique of the exploitation of resources in the Global South, paired with his consistent call for peace, has left an indelible mark on the world stage. Yet, as his death is mourned globally, a deeper question arises: why are so many of those who now publicly eulogise him complicit in the very injustices he denounced?
Pope Francis’s papacy was unequivocally aligned with the plight of the oppressed. His condemnation of the global capitalist system, which perpetuates inequality, remains one of the hallmarks of his tenure. He stood against the greed of financial capitalism, consumerism, and the perpetuation of poverty. His reflections on the destruction of Gaza, a cause he championed until his final days, illustrate the Pope’s ability to stand firm against powerful forces. In his last Easter address, he expressed his heartbreak over the suffering in Gaza, describing it as ‘terrorism’ and warning that the ongoing destruction had the ‘characteristics of genocide,’ a stance that stood in stark contrast to the indifference of Western powers and Middle Eastern autocrats.
Indeed, the Pope’s legacy sharply contrasts with the shameful actions of leaders such as the Saudi Kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. These leaders, who for decades have betrayed the Palestinian cause, have abandoned not only the tenets of Islam but also the very teachings of Prophet Muhammad, whose example prioritises justice, peace, and dignity for all. Their complicity in the ongoing oppression of Palestinians is a direct betrayal of the principles they claim to uphold.
Pope Francis’s steadfastness in the face of overwhelming political pressure was rare. He condemned Israel’s violence in Gaza while offering prayers and solidarity to its Christian and Muslim inhabitants. By contrast, many Muslim leaders in the Middle East have, for political expediency, chosen to align themselves with the perpetrators of these atrocities. Their hollow speeches calling for peace, while their governments continue to enable the oppression, expose the hypocrisy of their actions.
The death of Pope Francis is a moment to reflect on the moral failure of those in power, both in the West and in the Arab world, who continue to profit from war while denying the suffering of the Palestinian people. As the world mourns, let us remember the courage of Pope Francis, and ask ourselves why so many who now celebrate his legacy do not heed his call for justice and peace.
- This editorial comment was first published in the April 25, 2025 print edition of Muslim Views.
