Dalai Lama, Tibetan leaders express condolences on death of Pope Francis
Dalai Lama
and leaders of the Tibetan govt-in-exile in Dharamshala have expressed their
condolences
over the death of
Pope Francis
. The Tibetan
spiritual leader
, the Dalai Lama, wrote to Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, to express his sadness over the death of Pope Francis. The Dalai Lama wrote that he offered prayers and condolences to his spiritual brothers, sisters, and followers around the world.
"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," the Dalai Lama wrote.
A memorial service is also being held by the Tibetan community at the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan Temple, in Dharamsala. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, also expressed heartfelt condolences to the Roman Catholic Church and its followers upon the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis.
In the condolence message, the Speaker said, "With the most profound respect and sorrow, I extend my heartfelt condolences on the demise of Pope Francis. His Papacy was a testament to humility, compassion, and unwavering moral leadership. Pope Francis not only inspired the hearts of the Roman Catholic Church but also countless others worldwide through his commitment to the poor, his call for environmental stewardship, and his pursuit of peace and dialogue. His impact transcends borders, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."
"On behalf of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile, I extend my sincere condolences to the members of the Roman Catholic Church and all the followers. In this time of shared grief, we stand united in our respect and admiration for Pope Francis," the Speaker added in his message.
In his message, the political leader of the Tibetan govt-in-exile, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, said that 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," Sikyong said in his message.
Meanwhile, the leadership and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration gathered at Sikyong Hall on Wednesday to observe a prayer service to mourn the demise of Pope Francis and pay tributes to his legacies. At the prayer ceremony, officiating Sikyong Tharlam Dolma Changra, the minister of the Department of Education, said, "The late Pope truly embodied the dignity of his title, earning profound respect and admiration from people around the world."
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