Narges Foundation’s Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

Narges Foundation’s Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis: Honoring His Stand Against Executions in Iran and for “Woman, Life, Freedom”

April 26, 2025

 

As thousands gathered in Rome today for Pope Francis’ funeral, we at the Narges Foundation extend our condolences to the Christian community in Iran and around the world.

His lifelong commitment to human dignity and peace serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect these fundamental values in today’s world.

We remember when, Pope Francis condemned Iran for using the death penalty against demonstrators demanding respect for women, following the killing of 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa (Jina) Amini.

He said, “The right to life is also threatened in those places where the death penalty continues to be imposed, as is the case in these days in Iran, following the recent demonstrations demanding greater respect for the dignity of women. The death penalty cannot be employed for a purported state justice, since it does not constitute a deterrent nor render justice to victims, but only fuels the thirst for vengeance.”

He then repeated his appeal for an end to the death penalty worldwide, stating it is “always inadmissible since it attacks the inviolability and the dignity of the person.”

We remember his powerful words and believe that the day when executions end in Iran and across the world — and true equality is achieved — is near and certain.