Pakistan Bishop Participates in Absentee Funeral Prayer for Iran Leader Khamenei

Bishop Samson Shukardin, Bishop of the Diocese of Hyderabad and President of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, led a multi-faith delegation to join Shia Muslims in Hyderabad on July 9, 2026, for an absentee funeral prayer for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The gathering in Hyderabad was organized by the Joint Organizing Forum Hyderabad and was held simultaneously with the final burial and funeral ceremonies of the Iranian leader in Iran.

During the event, Bishop Samson paid tribute to the late leader by placing a floral bouquet before his portrait.

Speaking at the gathering, Bishop Shukardin expressed sympathy and emphasized the importance of religious harmony.

“We stand in complete solidarity with our Shia brothers and sisters during this time of grief, and the Christian community shares your sadness over the loss of your leader,” Bishop Shukardin said.

He also highlighted the Church’s commitment to peace amid global conflicts, noting that Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for dialogue and an end to violence.

“As Christians, our mission is to promote peace, coexistence, and mutual tolerance. The Holy Bible teaches us to love everyone, even our enemies, and it is our collective moral duty to build bridges of understanding, reject violence, and pray continuously for an end to hostilities,” he said.

Fr. Jamil Albert OFM, diocesan director of the National Commission for Justice and Peace in Hyderabad, also expressed solidarity on behalf of the delegation, emphasizing shared values during times of grief.

“True peace is not only about tolerating one another; it is about standing together in moments of sorrow and difficulty,” Fr. Albert said. “By standing united, we replace misunderstanding with empathy and mutual respect.”

Shia Muslim leaders expressed gratitude for the presence of the multi-faith delegation, describing it as a sign of interfaith solidarity.

“Seeing Bishop Samson and leaders of different faiths standing with us in this moment provides encouragement to our community,” a representative of the Shia leadership said.

The gathering in Hyderabad coincided with the final burial ceremonies of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Mashhad, Iran, marking the conclusion of six days of public mourning across cities in Iran and Iraq.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several members of his family were killed on February 28 during an airstrike on his residence in Tehran. The coffins of the late leader and his family members arrived in Mashhad on July 9 after funeral processions in the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala.