Verghese V Joseph –
The passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, has evoked a profound outpouring of grief and homage. The Church in India joined millions of faithful across the world in mourning the loss of a shepherd who led the global Catholic Church with extraordinary courage, compassion, and humility.
His Holiness Pope Francis was the 266th successor of St. Peter. The first Latin American pontiff, who led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 transformative years, was mourned not only by the global Catholic community but also by Indian leaders across faiths and political spectrums, who recognized his legacy of compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to the marginalised.
India’s Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi was among the first national leaders to publicly express his condolences. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Modi described Pope Francis as a “beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage” whose life was dedicated from a young age to “realising the ideals of Lord Christ.” He recalled the Pope’s tireless service to the poor and downtrodden, and his ability to ignite hope among those who suffer.
Modi reflected fondly on his personal meetings with the pontiff, highlighting how he was inspired by Francis’s commitment to inclusive and all-round development. “His affection for the people of India will always be cherished,” Modi wrote, concluding with a prayer for the Pope’s soul to find “eternal peace in God’s embrace.”
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) expressed deep sorrow and profound grief at the passing of the Pope. The CBCI has appealed to all the Catholic faithful in India to offer a Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis tomorrow or on a convenient day. The Church in India will observe nine days of mourning and prayer. Special prayers will be offered in all parishes, and religious houses on the day of the funeral.
All Catholic institutions across the country have been requested to remain closed on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect and solidarity.
The Archdioceses of Bombay and Bangalore issued heartfelt statements mourning the loss of Pope Francis, emphasising his prophetic voice and tender compassion. Archbishop John Rodrigues and Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay described the Pope as a shepherd who “walked alongside the marginalised” and tirelessly advocated for peace and healing. They praised his vision of “a poor Church for the poor,” a theme that shaped his entire pontificate.
Cardinal Gracias highlighted the Pope’s reforms, including the simplification of papal funeral rites, reflecting Francis’s desire to lead “not as a monarch, but as a disciple.” He called upon the faithful to honour the late pontiff by embracing his mission of hope and mercy.
Similarly, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore remembered Pope Francis as a man of deep prayer and simplicity who lived the Gospel in humility. He lauded the Pope’s advocacy for migrants, refugees, and the displaced, describing him as “a voice for the voiceless.” Machado urged the faithful to continue honouring Francis’s legacy by walking humbly, loving tenderly, and acting justly, echoing the Pope’s lifelong message.
The All-India Catholic Union (AICU), representing the laity, expressed deep sorrow at the passing of a leader who was “a lodestar who redefined for us the love of Jesus Christ for the world.” AICU National President Elia Vaz praised Pope Francis’s focus on victims of war, climate change, gender issues, and religious and ethnic hatred.
Vaz noted that Francis was initially a stranger to the global stage but grew to become a beloved figure who spoke plainly and compassionately to people worldwide. The AICU highlighted the Pope’s bold reforms in Vatican finances and bureaucracy, his outreach to Islam and other religions, and his opposition to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
For the Catholic laity, Pope Francis was “a member of the family who they could trust,” especially through his calls for synodal participation, making the faithful feel truly part of the Church’s mission. The AICU expressed hope that the next pope would continue Francis’s reform agenda, ensuring the Church remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Indian political leaders across parties joined in mourning. Many recalled Pope Francis’s emphasis on serving the poor and marginalized, values that resonate deeply in India’s socio-political context. His advocacy for environmental stewardship, social justice, and inclusivity was seen as a guiding light for India’s own development challenges.
Religious leaders from other faiths also expressed respect for the Pope’s legacy. His commitment to interfaith dialogue and peace earned him admiration across Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Buddhist communities in India. His efforts to promote universal human dignity transcended religious boundaries, inspiring leaders and followers alike.
India’s Catholic population, estimated at over 20 million, felt a personal loss in the passing of Pope Francis. The Pope’s messages of mercy, care for the environment, and the dignity of all people resonated deeply with Indian Catholics, who saw in him a shepherd who understood their struggles and aspirations.
Beyond the Catholic community, leaders from across India and the broader South Asian region paid tribute to Pope Francis as a global advocate for peace, interfaith harmony, and social justice.
World leaders, including King Charles III, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor-in-Waiting Friedrich Merz, praised Pope Francis’s humility, compassion, and tireless work for peace and justice.
In the Middle East, leaders acknowledged his advocacy for Palestinian rights and calls for ceasefires in conflict zones. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog remembered him as a man of “deep faith and boundless compassion,” hoping his prayers for peace would be answered soon.
The United States, through statements from the White House and Vice President JD Vance, expressed condolences and shared memories of the Pope’s spiritual leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This global outpouring highlights the universal respect Pope Francis commanded, transcending religious and national boundaries.
Pope’s life and teachings continue to inspire millions in India and beyond to walk humbly, love tenderly, and act justly. As the Catholic Church prepares for the next chapter, the memory of Pope Francis’s compassionate leadership remains a guiding light for all who seek a more just and loving world.
