Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – 21 April — The Rohingya Christian refugee community in Bangladesh extends its deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and Christian faithful worldwide on the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

In a statement issued today, Peter Saiful, a representative of the Rohingya Christian community, said:

“Even though we are few and often an overlooked people—dispersed, on the periphery, and sorely afflicted—our hearts belong with the universal Church in mourning the passing of a beloved shepherd. Pope Francis was a beacon of hope to the marginalized, a voice to the voiceless, and a man whose humility and heartache touched the depths of human experience all around the world.”

The community recalls with profound emotion the Pope’s historic visit to Bangladesh in 2017, during which he met with Rohingya refugees.
“As members of a persecuted and displaced people, we witnessed in Pope Francis the compassion and solidarity of Christ with the suffering,” said Saiful. “That meeting is a deeply moving and unforgettable experience for our community.”

Pope Francis consistently championed the rights and dignity of refugees. In one of his many appeals, he once declared:

“You cannot be a Christian without living like a Christian, and you cannot be a Christian without practicing the Beatitudes. And one of the Beatitudes is to welcome the stranger.”

The Rohingya Christian community gives thanks to God for the Pope’s life and ministry – a life of dedication to justice, peace, and the unity of God’s people.

“We pray for the Catholic Church and for all those who were shaped by his leadership, that they might be comforted and strengthened in this time of sorrow,” Saiful added. “May his memory continue to inspire the global Church to live in mercy, truth, and love.”

For further information, please contact:
Peter Saiful
Rohingya Christian Community Representative, Bangladesh
Mobile: +8801846115444