Non-Catholic religious entities in Brazil mourn pope’s death
Organizations and representatives of various faiths in Brazil mourned the death of Pope Francis, the global leader of the Catholic Church. He ed away at dawn on Sunday (Apr. 21) after suffering a stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse.
In a statement, Jewish organizations expressed their collective mourning over the pope’s death. The Israeli Confederation of Brazil (Conib) described the ing of the Catholic leader as a “great loss for humanity.”
“Pope Francis, with his charisma and inclusive vision, touched hearts throughout his transformative papacy. He visited the Nazi extermination camp at Auschwitz, condemned anti-Semitism, hate speech, and racism, and championed interfaith dialogue,” Conib stated. “May his legacy continue to guide us in the pursuit of a more humane, just, and peaceful world,” the organization added.
The Center for the Dissemination of Islam in Latin America (CDIAL) expressed its condolences on the death of the pope.
“His inspiring leadership brought significant reforms to the Church, including the restructuring of the Roman Curia, steps toward greater inclusion of women, and the courageous and transparent handling of internal challenges. His open and welcoming attitude left an indelible mark on the history of the Church and the world. Through his words, actions, and choices, he left a legacy of empathy and a deeply humanitarian outlook toward the poor, immigrants, the sick, and all who suffer,” the Islamic outreach center added.
The Brazilian Spiritist Federation described the pope as a “devoted brother in Christian doctrine who brought Catholics and followers of other religious denominations closer through his example of love, humility, and fraternity.”
“He fostered interreligious dialogue, emphasizing humility and comion toward all, regardless of their beliefs. He addressed climate change, advocated for diplomatic efforts toward peace among nations, and championed the cause of refugees. To our brothers and sisters in Christ, we wish love and peace in this moment of Pope Francis’ ing, invoking fraternity and comion in every home,” the statement read.
The Front of Evangelicals also expressed deep regret over the pope’s death in a note.
“The first Latin American pope marked his pontificate with a path of simplicity and defense of human rights. In his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, he called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, stating, ‘I express my closeness to the sufferings of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.’ In his leadership, we recognized the teachings of Jesus—solidarity, peace, love, and equality. We pray and give thanks for the life and witness of Jorge Mario Bergoglio.”
The National Council of Christian Churches of Brazil (Conic) recalled that Pope Francis’ life was “a courageous witness in hostile contexts.”
“By standing with immigrants and refugees and honoring those who perished during their journey, he denounced contemporary forms of colonialism that violate human dignity. In Latin America, he engaged with social movements and championed the fight for the right to land, shelter, and work,” said Conic. “We, your ecumenical brothers and sisters, will pray, Pope Francis, in solidarity with the grieving communities of the Roman Catholic Church and to thank God for his life and witness.”
Mãe Nilce de Iansã, coordinator of the National Network of Afro-Brazilian Religions and Health (Renafro), a recognized leader in African matrix religions and an active advocate in the fight against religious racism and the promotion of the rights of terreiro communities, wrote in her message that the pope “sowed love wherever he went.”
“When we close our eyes and think of Pope Francis, his smile immediately comes to mind—a reflection of his lifelong commitment to welcoming and respecting all people, regardless of their faith. He spread love wherever he went, and the strength of his work will certainly germinate for future generations,” she said.
Pastor Ronilso Pacheco of the Baptist Community in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, reflected on the pope’s transformative work in opening up the Catholic Church. He noted that Francis embraced a powerful humanitarian agenda.
