By: Fatou Krubally
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at The Gambia has extended its deepest condolences to the Catholic community in The Gambia and around the world following the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, 21st April 2025, at the age of 88.
In a statement issued by the Amir (National President) of the Jama’at, Baba F. Trawally, the Pope was remembered as a global religious leader who served humanity with humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to peace and justice.
“Pope Francis was a very exemplary leader who served humanity at large and stood for the rights of the less privileged, vulnerable, and minorities,” the statement noted. “He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will always live on.”
The Amir described the moment as a time of mourning not just for Catholics, but for the world at large. He prayed for peace, harmony, and divine blessings for all, noting that the Pope’s work and moral leadership had a lasting impact far beyond the Catholic Church.
The statement also included condolences from the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who acknowledged Pope Francis as a man of faith and humility who championed the cause of the poor and stood against injustice globally.
“Throughout his life, Pope Francis sought to serve the poor and vulnerable… He was a man of compassion, humility, and faith who strived to build bridges between people of different faiths,” the global leader said, adding that the Pope had received representatives of the Ahmadiyya Community with “warmth and grace” at the Vatican.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at The Gambia emphasized the importance of unity, understanding, and shared values among faith communities, especially during moments of global loss.
“We pray that the departed soul rests in perfect peace,” the Amir concluded.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church since 2013 and was widely respected for his efforts to promote dialogue, inclusivity, and social justice across religious and political divides.
