POPE Francis has been remembered for his "outspoken commitment" to peace in Gaza.
The pope passed away on Monday morning, the Vatican announced, at the age of 88.
In his last speech, given on Easter Sunday just hours before his death, Francis reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
"I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!"
He added: "In the face of the cruelty of conflicts that involve defenceless civilians and attack schools, hospitals and humanitarian workers, we cannot allow ourselves to forget that it is not targets that are struck, but persons, each possessed of a soul and human dignity."
Pope Francis was previously outspoken about Israel's war on Gaza. In November, the pontiff argued that "what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide".
In his Christmas address, Francis condemned the killing of Palestinian children in an Israeli air strike a day earlier, saying: "Yesterday, children have been bombed. This is cruelty. This is not war."
The pope was also in consistent contact with the Holy Family parish church in Gaza throughout Israel's assault.
The National reported that Francis had called the parish priest in February despite being in hospital with severe health issues.
Following his death, the Palestine Mission to the UK – the Palestinian consulate in London – expressed its condolences, sharing some of Francis's final speech.
A post on Twitter/X reads: “'I think of the people of #Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.'
“These were some of the last words of Pope Francis yesterday. He loved, cared deeply and prayed constantly for the people of #Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus to the very end. Rest in peace your holiness.“
“I think of the people of #Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.” These were some of the last words of Pope Francis yesterday. He… pic.twitter.com/GW4tpIrnOv
— Palestine in the UK (@PalMissionUK) April 21, 2025
Former first minister Humza Yousaf said: "I am so sorry to hear of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
"A fearless humanitarian who during his last public appearance appealed for peace and a ceasefire in Gaza.
"My thoughts with our Catholic community. He will be missed by many of us of different faiths, and none."
Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn said: "Pope Francis dedicated his life to the marginalised, displaced and dispossessed.
"A rare voice for humanity, he spent his final days on this earth calling for peace.
"Let his enduring legacy – of empathy, courage and kindness – inspire us to build a more humane world for all."
The Scottish Socialist Party also paid tribute in a statement which read: "Pope Francis' deep and outspoken commitment to peace, including for the people of Gaza, is an example that all political leaders should follow."
Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Christian pastor in Bethlehem, said Francis "conveyed true compassion to Palestinians".
Isaac said: "Palestinian, and Palestinian Christians in particular, have lost a dear friend today. Pope Francis was beloved in Palestine. He conveyed true compassion to Palestinians, most notably to those in Gaza during this genocide. His pastoral heart was evident in his insistence on calling the Christian community besieged in Gaza on a constant basis, even from his hospital.
"Today I wonder: Will the millions who will mourn his death these coming days respect this wish of his? Will they care for Gazans and Palestinians the way he did? May his soul rest in glory with his Savior. Humanity lost a special soul today."
Palestinian, and Palestinian Christians in particular, have lost a dear friend today. Pope Francis was beloved in Palestine. He conveyed true compassion to Palestinians, most notably to those in Gaza during this genocide. His pastoral heart was evident in his insistence on… pic.twitter.com/wDvgExuEhR
— Munther Isaac منذر اسحق (@MuntherIsaac) April 21, 2025
Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of UNRWA – the biggest UN agency providing aid to Palestinians – said: "Saddened at the death of Pope Francis.
"His support to call for a ceasefire in #Gaza + the release of all hostages was constant & persistent.
"His voice has contributed to draw the attention to significant dehumanization of the war in Gaza & beyond."
