Abu Dhabi [UAE], April 22 (ANI): The spiritual guru of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), Mahant Swami Maharaj, has sent a letter of condolences and prayers to the Catholic community following Pope Francis's passing at the age of 88. In the letter, Mahant Swami Maharaj extended deepest condolences on behalf of the worldwide BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu fellowship, saying, 'Pope Francis' departure is a profound loss to the Catholic community and Christians around the world,' according to a release.

'Pope Francis will be remembered as a beacon of hope, compassion, and unity. His efforts to promote social justice, environmental stewardship, and peace-building have left an indelible mark. His commitment to the marginalised and his call for global solidarity resonated deeply with the values we hold dear in our own tradition,' Mahant Swami Maharaj said.

Mahant Swami Maharaj commended Pope Francis endeavours to build bridges between different faiths, including his promotion of respect for the Hindu community and other religious traditions, the release stated.

'In this time of mourning, we stand in solidarity with you. We share in your sorrow and pray to God and all the divine energies that you find comfort in the legacy of simplicity and compassion that Pope Francis strove to promote,' he said. In addition to Mahant Swami Maharaj's letter of condolences, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami and the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi offered their heartfelt sympathies, the release added.

Pujya Brahmavihari Swami added, 'His humility and unwavering commitment to human dignity touched hearts across the world. We fondly remember his presence at the historic signing of the Human Fraternity Document in Abu Dhabi on 4 February 2019--a moment that symbolized hope, unity, and a future built on mutual respect. His deep respect for all faiths, including the Indian and Hindu communities, opened new paths for understanding and harmony.'

The pope died of a stroke followed by heart failure on Monday at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. His death was also affected by other ailments, including a 'previous episode of acute respiratory failure,' arterial hypertension and type II diabetes, Vatican's press office said in a statement.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013, a papal conclave elected Cardinal Bergoglio as his successor on March 13. He chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.(ANI)