Pope Francis was ardent advocate for poor, marginalised: Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday expressed his condolences over the passing of Pope Francis, describing him as a staunch advocate for the poor and the marginalised. The first Latin American pontiff, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped the global perception of the Catholic Church.

In his message, the Chief Minister said the Pope’s life and papacy were defined by compassion, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to social justice. His leadership was marked by bold outreach to marginalised communities, promotion of interfaith dialogue, and a powerful critique of global capitalism.

Pinarayi Vijayan noted that Pope Francis was a consistent voice for the poor and the excluded. His experiences in Buenos Aires deeply influenced his understanding of poverty and led him to emphasise the Church’s responsibility to serve those discarded by society, including the homeless and the impoverished. He had often spoken out against what he called the globalisation of indifference, urging people and institutions to respond with compassion.

The Chief Minister also referred to the Pope’s evolving position on LGBTQIA+ rights. Pope Francis worked to make the Church more inclusive and had famously asserted that everyone has dignity, regardless of sexual orientation. Chief Minister said this message resonated with many who felt distanced by traditional Church teachings.

He also recalled the Pope’s support for the Palestinian cause. Francis frequently expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and highlighted their suffering, advocating for peace and mutual understanding in the region.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis prioritised interfaith dialogue as a way to foster peace. He believed cooperation among religions was vital to resolving global conflicts and promoting social harmony. His meetings with leaders of Islam, Judaism, and other faiths reflected this commitment. His visits to the UAE and Iraq, along with the statements made during those trips, were described as historic.

The Pope consistently called for united action on global issues such as poverty, environmental degradation, and climate change. He stressed that these challenges went beyond religious differences and required shared responsibility.
Pinarayi Vijayan also reiterated the Pope’s firm stance against capitalism, which he saw as a system that promoted inequality and excluded the poor. He described the economic model as one that kills, calling for a reevaluation of priorities to place human dignity above profit. His writings often stressed the need for structural changes to create a more just and equitable economic order.

The Chief Minister concluded by saying that Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of empathy and transformative action. His work toward social justice, religious harmony, and economic fairness will continue to inspire future generations.