Dharamshala — His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile expressed their sadness at the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis on April 21, and offered their prayers and extend condolences to the Catholic Church and his followers around the world.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to The Most Reverend Leopoldo Girelli, The Apostolic Nuncio to India, on Apri 21, 2025, to express his sadness on learning that His Holiness Pope Francis has passed away on April 21, 2025.
The Spiritual leader of Tibet wrote, “His Holiness Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others. Consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can." His Holiness offered his prayers.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering extend deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and its faithful around the globe on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and Tibetans worldwide. Sikyong wrote on April 21, "In a world fractured by religious divisions, Pope Francis embodied the true spirit of compassion and universal brotherhood. His unwavering commitment to support the marginalised, speaking truth to power, and advocacy for environmental stewardship resonated deeply across various traditions, including Tibetan Buddhism."
"In these difficult times, we join in solidarity with the Catholic community worldwide in mourning this profound loss. May Pope Francis’ vision of a more compassionate and just world continue to guide us all,” Sikyong concluded.
Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile wrote, "With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of His Holiness PopeFrancis, who devoted his life to serving others with kindness, humility, and faith. My heartfelt prayers go out to his followers and disciples. His legacy will live on in the hearts of millions. May he rest in peace."
A memorial service is being held by the Tibetan community at the Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, in Dharamsala, HP, India.
Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, and served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He is known for his humility, concern for the poor and commitment to dialogue as a means of building bridges between people of all backgrounds, beliefs and faiths. He also expressed concern about the effects of global warming. Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025 at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in the Vatican, of heart failure following a stroke, at the age of 88.
