Benazir Bhutto in Magnifica Humanitas sparks joy among Pakistani Catholics

by Shafique Khokhar

In his encyclical, Pope Leo XIV singles out Pakistan's first female prime minister as a public figure who promoted the greatness of humanity. A Muslim, she was assassinated in 2007 in Rawalpindi. Pakistani Catholics expressed gratitude towards her for being a “bridge between our national identity and our faith”, and for the Income Support Programme she created, which is still “supporting millions of women”.

Karachi (AsiaNews) – A Pakistani Muslim woman cited by the pope in an encyclical is among the examples of those who change history by taking the protection of everyone's dignity seriously.

Among the many insights offered by Leo XIV in Magnifica Humanitas, one has made many Pakistani Catholics particularly happy.

At number 124, in a passage dedicated to figures who have demonstrated humanity’s greatness, the pontiff chose to mention Benazir Bhutto along with Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Bhutto, who was Pakistan’s first female prime minister, was killed in 2007 in Rawalpindi while on the campaign trail for the post of prime minister after ten years of voluntary exile.

Father Shahzad Arshad, director of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace of the Archdiocese of Karachi, expressed his joy to AsiaNews for the inclusion.

“Benazir Bhutto was one of the most influential political leaders in the history of Pakistan,” he said. “She is remembered for her efforts to strengthen democracy and improve the rights of women in Pakistan.

“During her time in office, she focused on health, education, and social welfare programs. She encouraged women to participate in politics and public life, inspiring millions across the country and around the world.”

Fr Shahzad remembers her support for policies that encouraged the representation of Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and other minority groups in politics and government.

“She openly condemned religious extremism,” he explained, “and warned about the dangers of intolerance in society. Her stance made her popular among liberal groups and minorities, although it also brought criticism from conservative opponents.”

Michelle Chaudhary, director of the Cecil and Iris Foundation, also praised the pope’s choice.

“As a Pakistani Catholic woman, hearing the Holy Father mention Benazir Bhutto in his encyclical filled me with deep emotion and pride,” she said.

“Benazir Bhutto may not have been perfect, but she symbolised courage, dialogue, and hope [. . .]. For Pakistani Catholics especially, this acknowledgment feels like a bridge between our national identity and our faith. It tells us that our stories matter too,” she added.

Anthony Naveed, acting speaker of the Sindh Assembly, told AsiaNews that Pakistanis “appreciate and acknowledge the gracious recognition by His Holiness Pope Leo of the struggle, courage, and democratic legacy of martyred respected Benazir Bhutto.” Indeed, “The mention of Benazir Bhutto alongside globally respected leaders reflects the enduring impact of her vision and sacrifice.”

According to Sindh Assembly Member Fouzia Hameed, with this choice Leo strengthens “interfaith harmony and national unity in Pakistan”.

“When I first met Benazir Bhutto, she had just returned from exile,” said renowned writer and human rights activist Nabila Feroz Bhatti, speaking to AsiaNews. “I was a student at the time, and from that very moment I began admiring her, following her journey, and looking up to her as my role model.”

Over the years, “I closely observed her efforts and determination, especially the way she revived the party after the death of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and courageously faced political opposition. Through immense hard work and perseverance, she became Pakistan’s first woman Prime Minister.

Once in power, “she introduced several groundbreaking initiatives for women,” while “Her Martyrdom itself is testimony of her stand against extremism.” And, “Even today, the Benazir Income Support Programme remains the largest welfare programme in the country, directly supporting millions of women.”

For Father Bonnie Mendes, “Pope Leo makes it very clear in his Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas that we have to rise to defeat the forces of evil. He mentions outstanding world leaders like Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela. I was happy to see the name of Benazir Bhutto.”

In particular, “In a male dominated society like Pakistan she boldly challenged the forces against her and her Party. At the height of Army rule in 1986, she returned to the country. Anybody who saw the mammoth crowd on the Streets of Lahore that weekday was full of admiration for her courage and wisdom.”

“Pope Leo saw through her movements and actions how she gave women the courage to take the steps necessary to be leaders second to none. She was assassinated while making a bold speech in Rawalpindi but even in her death she left a new path for others to follow.”

Photo: Wikipedia