April 21, Pozirk. The pontificate of Pope Francis was “an example of true service to the humankind,” with tireless struggle for dignity, freedom and justice, Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has said on Telegram, commenting on the news of his death.
“He was always there for those who are humiliated and persecuted,” the politician noted. “He always spoke in defense of peoples who fell under oppression or suffered injustice. Pope Francis shared the values important for Belarusians – respect for life, freedom and human dignity.”
The pontiff opposed the death penalty and has repeatedly shown solidarity with political prisoners and called for their release, along with his support of the quest for a free Belarus, she added.
His legacy of integrity, courage and belief in human dignity will remain alive and will inspire the Belarusian activists in their struggle for truth and freedom, Cichanoŭskaja stressed.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected pope in March 2013. His health deteriorated in the recent few years. In mid-February, he was hospitalized with severe bronchitis and pneumonia.
The pontiff called for release of prisoners of war and political prisoners in the Urbi et Orbi Easter message yesterday.
