Iraq’s Sistani leads tributes to Pope Francis, recalling historic meeting as milestone for peace – Middle East Monitor

Iraq’s top Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, has offered heartfelt condolences following the death of Pope Francis, praising the late pontiff’s commitment to peace, interfaith dialogue and solidarity with the oppressed.

In a statement released yesterday, the 94-year-old religious authority described the pope as enjoying “a high spiritual standing among many peoples of the world” and lauded his “distinguished role in serving the causes of…