'A testament to hope': 7 Christian leaders react to death of Pope Francis
6. Jerry Pillay
The Rev. Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, said in a statement that "Pope Francis's passing will be mourned around the world, not least among his many allies and admirers in the ecumenical movement and in the worldwide fellowship of the WCC."
"His papacy has been a great gift to the ecumenical movement, and he has been a dedicated collaborator in our efforts toward Christian unity and reconciliation and a prophetic voice for peace, the environment, and justice everywhere," Pillay said.
Pillay added that, while the late pontiff sometimes appeared to compromise Church teaching on LGBT issues, he ultimately reaffirmed that homosexuality was a sin and spoke out against "gender ideology."
"His words and actions on some matters may have frustrated and alarmed some people, but his courage and leadership are certainly appreciated," Pillay continued.
"His ability to speak truth to power and speak out on political issues may have raised some eyebrows, but prophetic witness is a gift in ecumenical circles."
