Condolences on Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis

On April 22, Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada sent a condolence message on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, on April 21 at the age of 88. In the message, President Harada recalled his meeting with Pope Francis in May of 2024, highlighting the Pope’s unwavering belief that war signifies defeat and must be eradicated. President Harada affirmed that Soka Gakkai members around the world, united in shared aspiration, would continue striving to realize the Pope’s vision of a peaceful world and a more humane future for all, stating: “His Holiness exerted himself tirelessly for the peace and happiness of humankind and to protect the global environment that nurtures all life. His Holiness embodied the values of popular solidarity and peace not only for the global Catholic community, but for people of goodwill everywhere.” Pope Francis’ example will, he said, “continue to inspire people to live as their best selves in humility, service, and love.”