Mumbai, India – The Archdiocese of Bombay held a significant interfaith prayer service on April 25, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Archbishop House Conference Hall to honour the late Pope Francis and his enduring message of compassion, dialogue, and fraternity. The event brought together a diverse assembly of religious leaders from Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain communities, alongside diplomats, Catholic faithful, and Mr. C. P. Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, symbolizing the unity and pluralism championed by the Holy Father.
The service commenced with the hymn “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace,” a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi and a favourite of Pope Francis, setting a reflective and prayerful tone. Attendees collectively prayed for the intentions of the universal Church, culminating in the recitation of the Our Father, emphasizing shared spiritual values across different faiths.
In a solemn gesture of respect, dignitaries offered floral tributes to commemorate Pope Francis’s life and legacy. A specially curated video highlighted the Pope’s humility, global vision, and unwavering dedication to marginalized communities, striking a deep chord with those present. Martin Maier, Consul General of Switzerland and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, lauded the Pope’s advocacy for peace, stating, “His Holiness reminds us that dialogue and solidarity are the cornerstones of a just world”.
Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay shared personal reflections on his encounters with Pope Francis, emphasizing the Pontiff’s “radical love for the poor and his ability to bridge divides.” He urged all present to embody this spirit, calling on them to “become artisans of peace, mending the fractures in our world through small acts of mercy.” Archbishop Rodrigues also expressed gratitude to Governor Radhakrishnan for his participation, noting that his presence underscored India’s pluralistic ethos and the universal values Pope Francis represented.
The prayer service concluded with a collective commitment to serve as “ambassadors of love and peace,” inspired by the Pope’s enduring legacy. Archbishop Rodrigues remarked, “In a world yearning for healing, we are called to be channels of God’s grace, just as Pope Francis urged.” This gathering not only honoured the late Pope but also highlighted the power of interfaith collaboration as a beacon of hope addressing humanity’s deepest challenges, resonating far beyond Mumbai’s shores.
