President Emomali Rahmon yesterday extended condolences to the Dean of the College of Cardinals of the Holy See, Honorable Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, over the death of Pope Francis, according to the Tajik president’s official website.

A telegram of condolences reads: 

"Your Excellency,

“We were deeply saddened by the news of the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis.

“The deceased, with his extensive activity as a great Pontiff, made a significant contribution to world affairs and gained fame throughout the world with his creative initiatives and actions. We recognize and appreciate his meritorious services in strengthening dialogue between civilizations and the comprehensive implementation of principles of peace and stability, tolerance and common consent in every respect.

“At the same time, expressing my good impression of the meeting with His Holiness in the Vatican last year, I would like to recall his continuous efforts to strengthen and expand the good relations between Tajikistan and the Holy See.

“In connection with this great tragedy, I express my sincere condolences and sympathy to all the relatives and friends of the deceased and to the followers of the Catholic Church.”

Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta just a day after he appeared in St Peter's Square to wish “happy Easter”" to thousands of worshippers.

As it had been reported earlier, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon paid an official visit to the Vatican and met with Pope Francis on April 26, 2024.  According to the press office of the Holy See, during the meeting the good relationship between the Holy See and Tajikistan was emphasized, and mention was made of some aspects of the country’s political and socioeconomic situation. Special attention was also paid to the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples and cultures for the promotion of peace and stability in the world.

The Tajik president’s official website reported at the time that President Rahmon stated that all conditions for tolerance and coexistence of representatives of all religions have been created in Tajikistan.  The Tajik people, who have historically made a significant contribution to civilization with the development of science and literature, welcome any inter-religious and inter-civilizational dialogues, the Tajik leader said.