Pakistan prays for Pope Francis

Catholics and people of other faiths in Pakistan offered prayers for the repose of the late Pope Francis.

St. Patrick's Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Karachi held a vigil service for the Holy Father on April 25, 2025.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs, visited Bishop House Lahore to offer condolences on the demise of Pope Francis.

Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore, received the minister in the presence of Fr. Asif Sardar, Vicar General, and priests.

A prayer for the departed soul of Pope Francis was led by Travis, followed by the lighting of candles.

In his message, Archbishop Joseph Ashad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi said, “Together with all the people, we remain grateful for Pope Francis’ tireless and dedicated service to the church and humanity. His contribution to the care of the universe, brotherhood, the human family, interfaith harmony, and peace in the world will always be remembered. He was indeed a beacon of hope for humanity.

“Pope Francis has left a legacy for the Catholic Church to follow. He centered his entire pontificate around living our Christian life with joy, mercy, and forgiveness and with deep concern and love for the poor and vulnerable of society, especially the migrants,” said Traves.

Masses were offered for the pope in this archdiocese.

Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi, also offered prayers for the departed son of Pope Francis. Coutts is currently in Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26.

A special prayer service was arranged for the soul of Pope Francis at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Faisalabad, on April 22, 2025, presided over by Bishop Joseph Indrias Rehmat of Faisalabad.

He requested all believers, religious and social leaders, and interfaith brothers to attend this worship.

On April 21, the Archbishop of Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Joseph Arshad, expressed deep grief over the passing of Pope Francis.

Arshad, in a statement, said, “The Catholic Church in Pakistan is deeply saddened by the death of Pope Francis.”

“He has been a fatherly figure not just for the Christian community but also for all humanity. His tireless services for the care of the universe, brotherhood, interfaith harmony, and peace in the world are remarkable,” said Arshad. “We have lost today a true shepherd of the souls.”

He prayed that God might grant him the reward of eternal life.

In his message, Bishop Yousaf Sohan of Multan, Pakistan, said, “Throughout Pope Francis’ pontificate, he called each of us to live a faith rooted in love, humility, and service.”

Francis inspired Catholics across the globe to strengthen their relationship with Christ, to care for creation, to love their neighbors, and to never forget the poor and marginalized. His words often echoed the call of Jesus, wrote Sohan.

“Pope Francis reminded us in his encyclicals “Laudato Si’” and “Fratelli Tutti of our duty to the earth, our common home, and to work toward a universal brotherhood where peace, justice, and dialogue prevail,” added Sohan.

Francis made tireless efforts to build bridges between people of different faiths, meeting with leaders of the Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and other communities. He consistently advocated for respect, peace, and understanding, he added.

His historic visit to Iraq in 2021 and his document on human fraternity, cosigned with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, were clear signs of his prophetic commitment to interreligious harmony.

“Pope Francis constantly urged us to live with compassion. His emphasis on peace, love for the poor, and unity among peoples remains an enduring legacy that continues to guide the mission of the Church,” said the prelate.

“In our Diocese of Multan, we will remember Pope Francis not only as a spiritual leader but as a father who loved the entire universe and embraced all humanity. His life and teachings will remain a source of strength for generations to come,” said Sohan. “May we honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately began—we are building a world of faith, hope, and love.”

Pakistan, a Muslim-majority country, is home to 1.3 million Catholics, who are among the 3.3 million Christians living in Pakistan. The country has over 241 million people.