Diplomats of Arab and foreign origin gather in Kuwait to pay respects to Pope Francis
Celebrating the Extraordinary Impact of Pope Francis: A Global Tribute
In an outpouring of global admiration, various Arab and foreign ambassadors and diplomats gathered at the Vatican Embassy in Kuwait, paying their respects to the late Pontiff, Pope Francis, following his passing after a decade of leadership within the Catholic Church.
The leader of the delegation, Ambassador Bishop Eugene Nugent, shared heartfelt sentiments, declaring, "The world comes together today to honor the profound religious and diplomatic legacy of Pope Francis" - a pope who, for the first time in centuries, hailed from South America, was a Jesuit, and non-European.
Nugent commended Pope Francis for his humility, openness, and unwavering dedication to the less fortunate, referencing his weekly visits to Rome's prisons and his relentless pursuit of peace in Gaza, the Middle East, and Ukraine. He further emphasized Pope Francis' commitment to strengthening interfaith dialogue, spearheading historic visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Iraq - undeniably leaving a legacy that will reverberate across generations.
The Pope's stance against violence and aggression was also widely respected. His Excellency Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, the UAE Ambassador to Kuwait, mourned the loss of a "peace embodiment" who called for mutual understanding.
Similarly, His Excellency Saleh Al Kharousi, the Omani ambassador, lamented the loss of a "global figure" who worked tirelessly to foster unity between Christianity and Islam.
Hopes ran high that his successor would pick up where Pope Francis left off, carrying forward the bridge-building mission between civilizations and faiths.
The Russian Ambassador, His Excellency Vladimir Zhelto, offered condolences and underscored the ongoing efforts to bring the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Churches closer. Emphasizing shared human values, Zhelto reiterated the desire for understanding and peacemaking across Christian denominations and between Islam and Christianity.
The Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait, His Excellency Mohammad Totonji, described Pope Francis as a "courageous" religious figure who actively fought for social justice and the rights of marginalized communities. Mourning the loss of a "great friend" who was always mindful of Lebanon's welfare, the Lebanese Chargé d'Affaires echoed these sentiments.
Meanwhile, Armenian Orthodox Archbishop Bedros Manuelian hailed Francis as a trailblazer in the history of Catholicism, masterfully navigating interfaith dialogue with Muslims. Father Bigol Anba Bishoy, pastor of St. Mark's Cathedral in Kuwait, hailed the late Pope as a symbol of love and peace, advocate of the marginalized.
In moments like these, Pope Francis' influence resonates strongly, rallying the world together to remember a life of courage, inclusivity, and relentless pursuit of justice.
- Ambassador Bishop Eugene Nugent, during his address, expressed hope that Pope Francis' successor would continue the pursuit of coexistence between civilizations and faiths.
- Vladimir Zhelto, the Russian Ambassador, emphasized the shared human values and the desire for understanding and peacemaking between Christianity and Islam in the wake of Pope Francis' passing.
- The Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait, His Excellency Mohammad Totonji, honored Pope Francis as a "courageous" figure who actively fought for social justice and the rights of marginalized communities.
