Archbishop Julian thanks MAPIM for praying for the Pope

Apr 12, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Archbishop Julian Leow met with representatives from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) to express his gratitude for their prayers for Pope Francis’ recovery following his recent hospitalisation, March 26.

Mapim had previously sent a letter offering their prayers for the pope’s health and thanking him for his support of the Palestinian people.

During the meeting at Archbishop Julian’s residence, he emphasised the importance of praying for peace, noting that violence is never the answer, and encouraged people to focus on shared values that unite them.

The meeting also addressed broader issues, with Archbishop Julian and Mapim representatives agreeing that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is not driven by religious differences but by political factors.

Ahmad Awang, chairman of the Malaysian Ulama Association, highlighted the importance of interfaith collaboration in promoting peace and harmony, both locally and globally.

Archbishop Julian presented copies of The Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together — the Abu Dhabi Declaration — signed in 2019 by Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which promotes interfaith cooperation.

Archbishop Julian and the Mapim representatives reaffirmed their commitment to unity, mutual respect, and cooperation in addressing global and local challenges. The archbishop also expressed his appreciation for the letter of support from Mapim, reinforcing the shared responsibility of religious communities in building a more peaceful and understanding world. Pope Francis, 88, was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after a five-week stay to treat a severe respiratory infection, marking his first public appearance since his hospitalisation.