(WASHINGTON, D.C., April 22, 2025) — CAIR Action extends its condolences on the death of Pope Francis, a globally revered leader who fearlessly stood for justice, including for the Palestinian people and Muslim communities facing state violence and oppression.
Basim Elkarra, Executive Director of CAIR Action, released the following statement:
“Pope Francis was a moral compass in a time of profound crisis. As someone who lost 118 family members in Gaza due to Israel’s ongoing bombardment, I am devastated not just by personal loss, but by the loss of a leader who never turned away from our suffering. Pope Francis saw the humanity of the Palestinian people—Christian and Muslim alike—and boldly declared that what Israel is doing constitutes war crimes. His clarity, compassion, and courage will be sorely missed.”
Pope Francis gained widespread respect among Palestinians for his outspoken condemnation of Israeli attacks, his calls for a ceasefire, and his nightly phone calls to Gaza’s Christian community. Even during Easter this year, when Christian worshippers in Jerusalem were assaulted by Israeli police during sacred services, the Pope refused to look away.
“While others remained silent, Pope Francis used the power of his office to amplify the voices of the oppressed. He didn’t just pray for peace—he called out the structures and systems preventing it,” said Elkarra.
CAIR Action is calling on Catholic leaders, elected officials, and interfaith allies to carry forward Pope Francis’s legacy by:
- Publicly acknowledging and opposing Israeli war crimes and apartheid policies
- Supporting international legal accountability for the assault on Palestinian civilians
- Defending the rights of both Muslim and Christian Palestinians to worship freely
- Amplifying voices from Gaza, especially the Christian community Pope Francis cherished
“To truly honor Pope Francis is to carry forward his work,” said Elkarra. “Do not just mourn him—be like him. Stand with the people of Gaza. Stand with Palestine. And speak truth to power.”
CAIR Action extends its deepest condolences to the global Catholic community and to all who were touched by Pope Francis’s legacy of humility, courage, and justice.
CAIR Action is a 501(c)4 organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
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CONTACT:
Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR Action, [email protected]
CAIR Action Communications, [email protected]
