Pope Francis’ legacy would encourage people of all religions to live in peace and concord, according to P. Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN.

At a special meeting of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday to commemorate the Pope’s life, Harish stated, “His life dedicated to peace, justice, and human dignity, and his deep commitment towards all humans, especially the poor and the marginalised, is an inspiration and a testament to his enduring faith in the service of mankind.”

Recalling his “deep commitment towards all humans, especially the poor and the marginalised,” he gave the eulogy on behalf of the Asia Pacific Regional group, stating that it is “an inspiration and a testament to his enduring faith in the service of mankind.”

The death of Pope Francis “is a moment of profound sadness, not only for the global Catholic community, but also for the whole world that was inspired by his extraordinary life,” he said.

“His message of service to mankind, love, and humility transcended borders and touched so many,” he said.

He referred to him as a “once in a generation leader,” saying, “Pope Francis will leave behind a compassionate legacy. It will promote service to the human race. It will inspire people of all religions to live peacefully and harmoniously.

Harish said that his last Easter speech will “lead us to a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous world” and “remind us that love can triumph over hatred, light over darkness, and truth over falsehood.”

The Pope “was a man of faith — and a bridge-builder among all faiths,” according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“A steadfast friend of the United Nations,” he was a “voice of mercy in a world of cruelty, a voice of peace in a world of war,” he said.

Before he was elected Pope, his time spent working in Buenos Aires’ slums “sharpened his conviction that faith must be an engine of action and change.”

As Pope, he “put that engine into overdrive as an unstoppable voice for social justice and equality,” according to Guterres.