Millions of people around the world are mourning Fetullah Gülen, who died Sunday at the retreat center in the Poconos Mountains that was headquarters for the global movement he led for decades. He was 83 [sic].

Gülen was considered a moderate but powerful philosopher and religious thinker. He was one of the first Islamic leaders to condemn the Sept. 11 attack against the United States. And he saw the teachings of Islam as promoting peace and self-sacrifice, not extremism and terrorism.

Gülen advocated for education as the best way to lift people from poverty and to spur economic development in some of the poorest nations on the earth.

The Hizmet movement is renowned for founding schools, colleges and universities, as wells as health clinics, and for providing relief in emergencies. Their influence has been felt in an estimated 180 countries throughout Africa, Central Asia, Europe, and even in the United States.

Gülen was so respected for his promotion of interfaith dialogue, Pope John Paul II met with him personally in 1998. And his philosophy of global service, respect for diverse faiths and cultures as well as his personal piety has inspired millions of people, including many who are now residents of Pennsylvania and will continue his work.

His followers say Gülen was focused in his last years on ensuring his movement would continue even after his death. They say they will not give up on Gülen ‘s vision of a world where mutual respect, religious tolerance and peace will put an end to hatred, suffering, and war.

May it be so. And may Fetullah Gülen rest in peace.