UAE Sikh community mourns Pope Francis, honoring him as a global symbol of faith and compassion…reports Asian Lite News
The Sikh community of the United Arab Emirates extends heartfelt condolences on the passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis—a beacon of faith, compassion, humility, and hope in our world.
His Holiness was more than the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. He was a global moral voice—an ambassador of peace, a tireless servant of humanity, and a shining symbol of unity across religions and cultures. His unwavering commitment to the poor, his steadfast advocacy for the marginalized, his care for the environment, and his enduring message of love and inclusivity touched countless hearts across the globe, including ours.
“In this moment of loss, we reflect not just on the passing of a spiritual leader but on the departure of a global peacemaker. His life was a living scripture—a gospel of humility, forgiveness, courage, and selfless love. His legacy will continue to inspire people of all religions and generations to walk the path of righteousness, kindness, and hope.”
Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai
Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai, said: We were truly honoured and humbled to have had a sacred audience with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on 11th November 2023, as a Sikh delegation from Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai. This historic meeting was a powerful moment of spiritual communion and mutual respect between two faiths grounded in service, equality, and compassion. His Holiness received us with immense warmth and joy, acknowledging the faith-driven seva (selfless service) that our community carries out in the UAE and beyond. He eloquently stated, “Faith and service, as you are aware, are intimately linked.”
“These words deeply resonated with our Sikh values and left a lasting impression on all who were present. During the meeting, His Holiness reflected on the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, especially the verses of Sukhmani Sahib, which emphasize that true peace and closeness to God are attained through humble service to humanity. He beautifully echoed the spirit of Sarbat da Bhala—the Sikh prayer for the welfare of all—when he encouraged us to continue serving the poor, the needy, and those on the margins of society.
“His Holiness appreciated our efforts to remain rooted in our spiritual identity while actively contributing to the welfare of the society in which we live. He blessed us with his message of unity, urging us to build bridges across cultures and faiths, promoting fraternity, justice, and peace.
In this moment of loss, we reflect not just on the passing of a spiritual leader but on the departure of a global peacemaker. His life was a living scripture—a gospel of humility, forgiveness, courage, and selfless love. His legacy will continue to inspire people of all religions and generations to walk the path of righteousness, kindness, and hope.
“We offer our prayers in gratitude for the light he brought into the world. May the soul of His Holiness Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, embraced by the Divine. And may his memory forever guide us in our shared journey toward love, unity, and seva.”
