As the bells of Rome toll in solemn farewell, the world pauses to honour the life and spiritual legacy of His Holiness Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, a peacemaker, and a global moral voice for humanity.

Being present in Rome to pay final respects is not only a deeply moving experience, but also a moment of reflection on the transformative life of a leader whose simplicity, sincerity, and boundless compassion offered hope in troubled times.

Pope Francis devoted his life to healing a fractured world. His outreach to the poor, the displaced, and the forgotten was unwavering. He taught that peace is not an abstract ideal, but a sacred practice rooted in forgiveness, solidarity, and mercy. As he beautifully stated:

“Peace is not made once and for all. It must be built up continually.”

He reminded us that building peace is a shared calling, one that crosses borders and faiths, uniting people in the service of love. His leadership through dialogue, particularly with other religious traditions, brought to life the divine vision of universal brotherhood and sisterhood. His historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity and his message in Fratelli Tutti (“All Brothers”) pointed humanity to a higher calling, living not beside, but with one another.

In 2018, it was my humble honour to present the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation to His Holiness at the Vatican. In his warm embrace of the Charter’s message, we found a deep and natural alignment with Christ’s teachings, calling humanity to repent, forgive, reconcile, and be healed. One central message from the Charter stands as a beacon today:

“Forgiveness is an unwavering refusal to let painful experiences destroy us.”

In his own words, Pope Francis said:

“We are all called to become artisans of peace, by uniting and not dividing, by extinguishing hatred and not holding on to it, by opening paths of dialogue and not by constructing new walls.”

These are not just noble sentiments; they are sacred imperatives. The Earth cries out for peace. Humanity longs for healing. Pope Francis lived this truth with quiet courage and divine grace.

His passing invites all of us, people of every faith and none, to reflect on how precious, how fragile, and how interconnected human life is on this sacred planet. His journey reminds us that the true purpose of life lies in serving others, protecting the vulnerable, and building peace, step by humble step.

May the soul of His Holiness Pope Francis rest in eternal peace. May his teachings continue to guide all who seek justice, reconciliation, and unity.

Let this moment renew our shared resolve to walk gently, live gratefully, and serve selflessly. May we all become instruments of peace, bound by the eternal truth that love is greater than fear, and forgiveness stronger than division.

In remembrance and reverence.
From Rome,
Bhai Sahib Professor Mohinder Singh KSG, OBE
Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ)

Notes for Editors:

Bhai Sahib Professor Mohinder Singh is the Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), a faith-based charitable organisation headquartered in Birmingham, UK, with global outreach across education, health, civic engagement and interfaith work.

In recognition of his tireless efforts to promote peace, reconciliation and interreligious harmony, Bhai Sahib Ji was awarded the Pontifical Order of Knighthood of St Gregory the Great (KSG) by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 – becoming the first Sikh in history to receive this honour. Bhai Sahib Ji received the Papal knighthood with humility, dedicating it to the Guru’s message of selfless service and unity among all humanity.