His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, guru and president of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), has sent a letter of condolences and prayers to the Catholic community following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis yesterday.
In addition to the letter of condolences, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami and the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi offered their heartfelt sympathies on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. Pujya Brahmavihari Swami added, “His humility and unwavering commitment to human dignity touched hearts across the world. We fondly remember his presence at the historic signing of the Human Fraternity Document in Abu Dhabi on 4 February 2019—a moment that symbolized hope, unity, and a future built on mutual respect. His deep respect for all faiths, including the Indian and Hindu communities, opened new paths for understanding and harmony.”
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj's letter of condolences:
Dear Members of the Roman Catholic Church,
On behalf of the worldwide BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu fellowship, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His departure is a profound loss to the Catholic community and Christians around the world.
Pope Francis will be remembered as a beacon of hope, compassion, and unity. His efforts to promote social justice, environmental stewardship, and peace-building have left an indelible mark. His commitment to the marginalized and his call for global solidarity resonated deeply with the values we hold dear in our own tradition.
We commend his endeavours to build bridges between different faiths, including his promotion of respect for the Hindu community and other religious traditions.
In this time of mourning, we stand in solidarity with you. We share in your sorrow and pray to God and all the divine energies that you find comfort in the legacy of simplicity and compassion that Pope Francis strove to promote.
May his vision of a more just and harmonious world continue to inspire us all.
With heartfelt prayers,
Sadhu Keshavjivandas
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj
Spiritual Leader, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
