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The world collectively mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on April 21, 2025,a figure whose profound impact transcended religious boundaries. Queen Mariam Leonor Torres Mastura, bearing the esteemed title of Bae Mompong of the Sultanate of Maguindanao, and recognized globally as the “Traveling Queen” from the Philippines, adds her voice to the chorus of sorrow. She emphasizes the Pope’s enduring legacy of compassion, humility, and tireless dedication to serving humanity, virtues that resonated deeply across diverse cultures and faiths.
Art as a Personal and Cultural Bridge Queen Mariam’s recollection of her journey to Italy to meet Pope Francis is imbued with profound gratitude. This encounter, a testament to the Pope’s accessibility and genuine spirit, stands as a cherished memory. During their meeting, she presented him with a personally created portrait painting. This artwork, a fusion of realistic and abstract elements, was designed to symbolize the Pope’s transformative influence, particularly on the lives of children. The Queen’s artistic offering was not merely a personal tribute but also a cultural bridge, carrying with it the artistic traditions and heartfelt sentiments of the Sultanate of Maguindanao. The Pope’s gracious acceptance and sincere appreciation of this culturally significant gift deeply moved Mariam, underscoring his ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life.
Recognizing a Global Humanitarian and Cultural Connection As the founder of We Care for Humanity (WCH), a U.S.-based charitable organization, and chairperson of the prestigious Greatest Humanitarians of the World Award, Her Royal Highness Queen Mariam had the distinct honor of bestowing this recognition upon Pope Francis. His acceptance of this tribute from WCH served as a powerful source of inspiration, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to humanitarian endeavors. Furthermore, Queen Mariam played a pivotal role in introducing the Sultanate of Maguindanao to Pope Francis during her visit to the Vatican City in October 2023, forging a unique cultural connection between the Islamic Sultanate and the Catholic Church.
Sultanate of Maguindanao’s Shared Grief and Hope for the Future On behalf of the His Majesty Supreme Sultan Zulkarnain Abdulaziz Mastura Kudarat VI and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Datu Muamar Mastura of Maguindanao, Queen Mariam extends their deepest condolences to the Vatican and Catholic communities peace and unity. Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to social justice, his impassioned
advocacy for the marginalized, and his tireless efforts to promote global peace have left an
indelible mark on the world. His influence as a spiritual leader and a champion for the
vulnerable will continue to resonate for generations. Mariam, alongside the Sultanate of
Maguindanao and countless others, prays for the eternal peace of his soul, expressing a
collective hope that his remarkable legacy will inspire a more compassionate and just
world, fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.worldwide. Their shared grief highlights the universal impact of Pope Francis’s message of peace and unity. Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to social justice, his impassioned advocacy for the marginalized, and his tireless efforts to promote global peace have left an indelible mark on the world. His influence as a spiritual leader and a champion for the vulnerable will continue to resonate for generations. Mariam, alongside the Sultanate of Maguindanao and countless others, prays for the eternal peace of his soul, expressing a collective hope that his remarkable legacy will inspire a more compassionate and just world, fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.