The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat would like to offer its congratulations to the Roman Catholic Church and its members across the world upon the election of His Holiness, Pope Francis I.

The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Successor of the Promised Messiah, His Holiness, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has said:

“First of all, I would like to offer congratulations to Pope Francis I and to Catholics across the world. May the appointment of the new Pope prove to be blessed not just for Christians but for all people across the globe. May the new Pope lead the Church towards the true teachings of Christianity.

I hope and pray that in the forthcoming era the Pope uses his influence to develop peace and harmony in the world. There is a great need to join together upon our common teachings and particularly upon the Unity of God.

Rather than increase division, the world desperately needs unity and compassion. This is something that I wrote to Pope Benedict XVI in a letter I sent to him in 2011.

In my letter to the Pope I also requested him to use his great influence to bring the people of the world together towards peace, reconciliation and mutual understanding and to strive to prevent the world from destruction. I send the same message to the new Pope as well.

In terms of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, we have always been at the forefront of promoting inter-faith harmony and striving for peace. We always co-operate with all people and organisations who desire peace and tolerance and will forever continue to do so.

Once again I congratulate Pope Francis and the Catholic Church and pray that the appointment proves to be a source of peace for the entire world.”