Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq commended Pope Leo on Friday for urging peace amid global conflicts, emphasising that religious leaders worldwide must unite against wars and aggression.
Delivering his Friday sermon to thousands at Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid, the Mirwaiz declared: “I believe it’s the responsibility of religious and spiritual figures and leaders of all communities, from all over the globe, to speak up in unison for the sake of humanity and condemn wars and aggression, advocating instead for peace, dialogue and humanity as means of resolution.”
He specifically praised Pope Leo’s recent statements, including an April 8 social media post welcoming a two-week truce in the Middle East as a “sign of living hope” and stressing that only negotiations can end the war. The Pope had also affirmed: “God does not bless any conflict,” rejecting military action in favour of coexistence and dialogue.
Mirwaiz appealed to global faith leaders to echo this stance for “global peace and justice for all humanity.” He linked regional unrest to the “long-term occupation of Palestinians,” arguing that resolving it through natural justice and international law would bring lasting stability.
With the annual Hajj pilgrimage beginning on Saturday amid turmoil in the Middle East—particularly in Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine—Mirwaiz highlighted the suffering, bloodshed, and displacement there. He criticised ongoing Israeli aggression, backed by the US despite ceasefire pledges, and described Hajj this year as a collective call to pray for worldwide peace and justice.
He also lauded diplomatic initiatives by Pakistan, backed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, to de-escalate tensions. “We pray that these efforts bear fruit, as the whole world is looking up to it to bring peace and stability,” he added.