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Navida Sayed, UK
Yesterday marked the last of the nine-day mourning period for Pope Francis known as ‘Novendiales’ [1] on Sunday 4th May in the Vatican Basilica: The Papal Chapel. [2] The term ‘novendiales’ means ‘nine days’ in Latin. It denotes the liturgical and ceremonial period observed after the death of a Pope. This tradition has its roots in ancient Roman mourning practices, consisting of nine consecutive Masses offered for the soul of the deceased Pope, beginning the day after his burial. This is the period between the end of a Pope’s governance of the Church and the election of his successor.[3] Rooted in ancient Roman and Christian customs, each day marked daily masses and prayer services for the late pontiff’s soul and the ninth day today marks thanksgiving for his life. [4]
As the mourning period comes to an end, we join in paying tribute and offering thanks to Pope Francis’s groundbreaking efforts in advocating for the poor and destitute, [5] who face dehumanising conditions. [6] Pope Francis was well known for engaging in interfaith dialogue with members of other religions by encouraging peace and mutual respect. [7] He demonstrated a deep understanding of interfaith dialogue and had meaningful conversations about Islam, which fostered respect and appreciation for the true Islam.
On 20th March 2013, Pope Francis emphasised the significance of interfaith dialogue while addressing an audience in St. Peter’s Square. Following in the footsteps of his predecessors, Pope Francis mentions how 50 years have passed since the Vatican II declaration Nostra Aetate in relationship to other religions.[8] Addressing Muslims, Pope Francis stated “I am thinking in particular of Muslims, who as the Council recalls worship God, who is one, living and subsistent, merciful and almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has also spoken to men. (Nostra Aetate, n. 3). They acknowledge Abraham’s paternity, venerate Jesus as a prophet, honour his virgin Mother, Mary, await the day of judgment, and practice prayer, almsgiving and fasting (cf. ibid.)”[9] Nostra Aetate is the declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christians that was written by Pope Paul VI in 1965.[10] While Catholics do not necessarily agree with the theological teachings of Islam, the Popes and the Church regard Muslims with esteem.
In an audience with the diplomatic corps accredited to The Holy See on 22nd March 2013, Pope Francis emphasised on interfaith dialogue and stated, ‘It is not possible to build bridges between people while forgetting God. But the converse is also true: it is not possible to establish true links with God, while ignoring other people. Hence it is important to intensify dialogue among the various religions, and I am thinking particularly of dialogue with Islam.’[11] Pope Francis directly reached out to Islamic leaders in the audience and emphasised how cooperative, respectful interfaith dialogue could prevent humanity from being torn apart due to theological differences. [12] Instead, he advocated that mutual understanding and friendship would be the best way forward.
On 30th November 2015, while addressing African Muslims, Pope Francis discussed the importance of unity through sisterhood/brotherhood: ‘Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters.’[13] He also elaborated ‘that Christians, Muslims and members of the traditional religions have lived together in peace for many years.’ [14]
He further added, ‘Together, we must say no to hatred, no to revenge and no to violence, particularly that violence which is perpetrated in the name of a religion or of God himself. God is peace, God salam.’[15] Pope Francis always advocated for peace and clarified that Islamic teachings were not extreme.
In his apostolic exhortation ‘On the proclamation of the Gospel in today’s world’ (24th November 2013), Pope Francis emphasises significance of Christian-Muslim relations, based on the same belief in one God and respect for Mary, mother of Jesus. Addressing Christians, Pope Francis emphasised the importance of enabling Muslims to practice their faith freely in non-Muslim countries. He discusses how the sacred writings of Islam retained some of the Christian teachings, and praises how Muslims make time for daily prayers.
Pope Francis spoke against extremism in any religion and stated ‘Our respect for true followers of Islam should lead us to avoid hateful generalisations, for authentic Islam and the proper reading of the Koran are opposed to every form of violence.’[16] Pope Francis was aware of the true peaceful teachings of Islam and ensured that he reflected this in his interfaith duologue.
The Fifth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), praised Pope Francis in when he said that whilst the ‘world is at war, it is not a religious war’. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said that the Pope was right to make the distinction that today’s warfare was not motivated by religion but by greed and a desire for power and wealth.
Pope Francis has also shown great support for the people of Gaza amidst their intense suffering; one of his last wishes was to have his ‘popemobile’ converted into a mobile clinic for Gaza’s children.
There are many more occasions when Pope Francis participated in interfaith dialogue with Muslims, his interfaith dialogue marks a different stance in Muslim-Christian relations compared to previous pontificates. As the traditional mourning period Novendiales concludes, Catholics worldwide reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis. Preparations will begin in the coming days before the conclave convenes and then waits in anticipation for the white smoke to rise from the Sistine Chapel, announcing the election of a new pope.
About the Author: Navida Sayed has a BA in Theology, Religion and Ethics. She has been a long serving member on the Editorial Board of The Review of Religions and has previously served as Editor of the Christianity Section. She has been the Coordinator of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Women’s Research Team UK since 1992, whose work has predominantly revolved around Biblical studies.
Bibliography
Catholicus, ‘Novemdiales: Nine Days of Hope, Mourning, and Renewal in the Catholic Church’, Catholicus.Eu English European Catholics in English, 2025 <https://catholicus.eu/en/novemdiales-nine-days-of-hope-mourning-and-renewal-in-the-catholic-church/>
Olweny, Sr. Jecinter Antoinette, ‘Vatican: Nine Days of Mourning Pope Francis: Novendiali’, AMECEA Social Communications (AMECEA NEWS / VATICAN, 2025) <https://communications.amecea.org/index.php/2025/04/24/vatican-nine-days-of-mourning-pope-francis-novendiali/>
[1] Sr. Jecinter Antoinette, Olweny, ‘Vatican: Nine Days of Mourning Pope Francis: Novendiali’, AMECEA Social Communications (AMECEA NEWS / VATICAN, 2025) <https://communications.amecea.org/index.php/2025/04/24/vatican-nine-days-of-mourning-pope-francis-novendiali/>
[2] Catholicus, ‘Novemdiales: Nine Days of Hope, Mourning, and Renewal in the Catholic Church’, Catholicus.Eu English European Catholics in English, 2025 <https://catholicus.eu/en/novemdiales-nine-days-of-hope-mourning-and-renewal-in-the-catholic-church/>
[3] Sr. Jecinter Antoinette, Olweny, ‘Vatican: Nine Days of Mourning Pope Francis: Novendiali’, AMECEA Social Communications (AMECEA NEWS / VATICAN, 2025) <https://communications.amecea.org/index.php/2025/04/24/vatican-nine-days-of-mourning-pope-francis-novendiali/>
[4] Catholicus, ‘Novemdiales: Nine Days of Hope, Mourning, and Renewal in the Catholic Church’, Catholicus.Eu English European Catholics in English, 2025 <https://catholicus.eu/en/novemdiales-nine-days-of-hope-mourning-and-renewal-in-the-catholic-church/>
[5] John, Nichols, ‘The Pope Who Decried the Savage Inequalities of Billionaire-Class Capitalism’, The Nation, 2025 <https://www.thenation.com/article/society/pope-francis-dead-obituary-economic-justice/> [accessed 2 May 2025]
[6] Tiziana, Campisi, Tiziana, ‘Pope to Popular Movements: Fight for Social and Economic Justice’, Vatican News (Vatican News, 2024) <https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-09/pope-francis-popular-movements-social-economic-justice.html> [accessed 3 May 2025]
[7] Pope Francis, Legacy, ‘Interfaith Bridge-Builder: Pope Francis’s Groundbreaking Efforts in Religious Dialogue’, Pope Francis Legacy <https://popefrancislegacy.com/interfaith-bridge-builder-pope-francis-groundbreaking-efforts-in-religious-dialogue> [accessed 2 May 2025]
[8] Pope Francis, ‘Interreligious General Audience on the Occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Conciliar Declaration Nostra Aetate. ’, General Audience of 28 October 2015 | Francis, 2015 <https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2015/documents/papa-francesco_20151028_udienza-generale.html> [accessed 2 May 2025]
[9] Pope Francis, ‘Interreligious General Audience on the Occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Conciliar Declaration Nostra Aetate.’, General Audience of 28 October 2015 | Francis, 2015 <https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2015/documents/papa-francesco_20151028_udienza-generale.html> [accessed 2 May 2025]
[10] ‘Pope Francis, Interreligious General Audience on the Occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Conciliar Declaration Nostra Aetate.’, General Audience of 28 October 2015 | Francis, 2015 <https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2015/documents/papa-francesco_20151028_udienza-generale.html> [accessed 2 May 2025]
[11] Pope, Francis, ‘Audience to the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to The Holy See ’, Vatican , 2013 <https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2013/march/documents/papa-francesco_20130322_corpodiplomatico.html#:~:text=It%20is%20not%20possible%20to,particularly%20of%20dialogue%20with%20Islam> [accessed 1 May 2025]
[12] Ibid
[13] Pope, Francis, ‘Apostolic Journey -Central African Republic: Meeting with the Muslim Community in the Central Mosque of Koudoukou (Bangui, ’, Vatican Holy See, 2015 <https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2015/november/documents/papa-francesco_20151130_repubblica-centrafricana-musulmani.html> [accessed 1 May 2025]
[14] Ibid
[15] Pope, Francis, ‘Apostolic Journey -Central African Republic: Meeting with the Muslim Community in the Central Mosque of Koudoukou (Bangui, ’, Vatican Holy See, 2015 <https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2015/november/documents/papa-francesco_20151130_repubblica-centrafricana-musulmani.html> [accessed 1 May 2025]
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