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Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Udupi Diocese churches offer special prayers for Indian armed forces
Udupi: Following the directive of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), the Catholic community of Udupi Diocese offered special prayers on Sunday for the safety and success of the Indian armed forces partaking in Operation Sindoor . During the Sunday Mass, priests in every church offered special prayers through the Holy Eucharist and Adoration for the soldiers' safety and protection. Diocese Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo led a special prayer at St Joseph's Church in Belman, Karkala the congregation, Bishop Lobo highlighted the significance of the feast of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He noted the recent appointment of Pope Leo XIV as the spiritual leader of the Christian community and emphasised the Pope's call for global peace. The bishop urged the faithful to support the soldiers who risk their lives to protect the nation and to pray for peace, especially in the face of looming threats along the India-Pakistan border .The pope's message stressed the need for dialogue and building bridges to achieve lasting peace. Bishop Lobo encouraged the congregation to stand in solidarity with the soldiers and to instil confidence and courage in them through prayers and support. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Church in India welcomes election of Pope Leo XIV and assures prayers
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV PANAJI: The Church in India welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV and assured His Holiness of fervent prayers for the good of the Catholic Church and the well-being of all humanity. In a statement released on Friday, the Catholic Bishops' Conference in India (CBCI) said the Church in India pledges its total loyalty and allegiance to the new Pope Leo XIV . The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), comprising Bishops of the Latin Rite in India, also expressed heartfelt gratitude and great joy upon receiving the news. Archbishop Peter Machado, Vice President of the CCBI, assured the Holy Father of constant prayers and support from the Latin Church in India as Pope Leo XIV begins his sacred ministry. "May his pontificate be marked by grace, courage, and deep love. We invite all the faithful in India and all peoples of goodwill to join us in praying for Pope Leo XIV as he leads the Universal Church," Bishop Machado said. The CBCI said it was a historic milestone where four Indian Cardinals participated in the conclave, marking a significant moment in the Church's history in India.
Indian Express
21-04-2025
- General
- Indian Express
‘A Pope of the People': Mumbai's catholics who met Pope Francis remember him as ‘a champion of those pushed to the periphery of society'
After a prolonged illness, Pope Francis passed away in Rome on Monday. He was 88. While the Holy Father never visited India, many from Mumbai had the opportunity to meet him. Among them was Fr Joshan Rodrigues, Editor-in-Chief of 'The Examiner' — the 175-year-old Catholic newsweekly and official magazine of the Archdiocese of Bombay. He spent three years in Rome, from 2015 to 2018, while pursuing a master's degree in Social and Institutional Communications. During this time, he encountered Pope Francis on multiple occasions and participated in his Masses and public audiences. 'What struck me always was the radiant glow that emanated from his person, like a sign of holiness. My fondest memory is when I accidentally met him outside the lift at Casa Santa Marta — his residence — and I was able to kiss his hand and take his blessings,' he said. Calling him 'a Pope of the People', he said that his teachings and sermons were always a hit, because he spoke the people's language and used anecdotes and illustrations drawn from people's daily lives. 'He was a champion of those who had been pushed to the periphery of society, whether it was the poor, migrants, those of an LGBTQ orientation and the elderly. He empowered women. There are many women today in leading positions in the Vatican due to his vision.' 'One of the early memorable moments of his papacy was that his first foreign trip outside of Italy after he became Pope was to Lampedusa, an island in southern Italy, the port of entry to Europe for hundreds of thousands of men, women and children fleeing violence, climate change and poverty,' he noted, adding that the Pope had a desire to visit India, and Christians in India fervently looked forward to that visit but it never took place. Oswald Cardinal Gracias, president of the Catholic Bishops of India (CBCI) Delhi, who met the Pope two weeks ago in Rome, shared that they were great friends (Express Photo) Mumbai-based independent journalist, author and oral historian Jane Borges met Pope Francis two years ago at the Vatican when she was invited to a conference in Rome titled Global Aesthetics of the Catholic Literary Imagination to talk about her debut novel 'Bombay Balchão', which is set in a Catholic neighbourhood in Mumbai. Recalling that day, she said, 'On the last day of the event, conference participants were told that they would get an audience with the Pope. The Pope had been unwell even then, but didn't cancel the commitment. He wanted to speak to us — all writers, poets, artists and filmmakers whose works drew from their Catholic experience. Pope Francis was a professor of literature and it explains why he attached so much value to what we did. In his speech at the gathering, he spoke about the need for artistes 'to dream, to be restless, to conjure up words and visions that can help us interpret the mystery of human life and guide our societies towards beauty and universal fraternity'. Her friends had requested her to carry rosaries for them so that the Holy Father could bless him. 'Many of them were not even Catholic, but had seen in him a beacon of hope and love at a time when world leaders invite little confidence. When my turn came to meet him, I nervously brought my hands forward, wondering what he'd think about the rosaries I was holding. He reached out to shake my hands. I said something to him, I can't remember what. But he listened patiently, latching on to every word I said, and then smiled. It's a smile I don't think I will ever forget,' she added. On Monday evening, a holy mass was held at the Cathedral of The Holy Name in Colaba to mourn the death of Pope Francis. A heartfelt remembrance of his legacy, it included prayers for the people and a reflection by the bishop on the profound impact Pope Francis had on the Church and the world. Dean of Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Sandra D'Souza Rana, who also produced the movie 'Face of the Faceless', met the Pope in November 2023 while presenting the film to him. 'The moment felt truly divine — his angelic smile, humble demeanour, and deeply empathetic presence reflected the soul of a true shepherd. His warmth, gentle touch, and spiritual aura created an indescribable connection that I will forever cherish. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with grace and reverence, leaving me with a deep sense of privilege and blessing. Words fall short of capturing the holiness of that encounter,' said Rana, speaking alongside Shaison P Ouseph, Associate Dean of XIC and director of the film, at the mass. Oswald Cardinal Gracias, president of the Catholic Bishops of India (CBCI) Delhi, who met the Pope two weeks ago in Rome, shared that they were great friends. 'We often discussed matters that concerned people who are suffering, things that are insensitive in the world,' he said, adding, 'He was a good friend! We talked a lot, we joked about things, we argued, we differed… we had a personal bond. And, he had great love for India.'
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, says CBCI
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) condoled the death of Pope Francis on Monday (April 21, 2025) and said that the Catholic Church in India will observe nine days of mourning and prayers. It appealed to Catholics in India to offer a holy mass for the Pope. CBCI and Chavara Cultural Centre Delhi organised a condolence meeting at the Diocesan Community Centre, Sacred Heart Cathedral in which leaders from various faiths, diplomats, clergy, and public figures came together. Delivering the keynote address, Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, Archbishop of Delhi and secretary general of CBCI, said Pope Francis was not just the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church but a bridge-builder across faiths and nations. 'His humility, courage and unwavering stand for justice and mercy will guide humanity for generations to come,' he said. Also Read | Pope Francis: 1936-2025 Joshua Mar Ignathios, chair of the CBCI Dialogue Commission, remembered Pope Francis as 'the Jesus of our times', noting his deep concern for the marginalised, the environment, and the cause of global brotherhood. Subodh Mandal, Bishop of the Church of North India, and Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC also offered prayers and remembrances. Among the dignitaries present were former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP G.K. Vasan and former Union Minister of State K.J. Alphons. The evening saw tributes from several ambassadors, including Javier Manuel Velarde (Peru), Jacqueline Mukangira (Rwanda), Reuban Gaucci (Malta), Omar Castaneda (Guatemala), Kevin Kelly (Ireland), and Joao Ribeiro de Almeida (Portugal), each reflecting on Pope Francis' message of hope and unity that transcended borders. People's pontiff | Jerry Pinto reviews Hope: The Autobiography by Pope Francis The gathering concluded with an inter-religious prayer service led by leaders of different faiths echoing the Pope's lasting call – 'Let us build the future together with peace, with dialogue, and with love.' In a statement, CBCI, the permanent Association of the Catholic Hierarchy of India, said that the church 'joins 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.' The association said special prayers will be offered in all parishes and religious houses on the day of the funeral. 'If possible, all Catholic institutions across the country are requested to remain closed on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect and solidarity,' it said. Also Read | Pope Francis' proposed Papal visit to India that never happened Stating that the Catholic Church in India stands in 'prayerful solidarity with the universal Church during this time of loss', the association said that Pope Francis's pontificate was marked by an 'unwavering commitment to the poor, the refugees, and the marginalised in the society.' 'He was a tireless voice for social justice, economic equality, and human dignity — championing the cause of the forgotten and bringing their plight to the world's conscience,'' said Father Robinson Rodrigues, of CBCI. He added that the Pope's encyclical, a letter from the Pope to Catholic Bishops, Laudato si' , was a clarion call for ecological conversion and 'responsible stewardship of our common home'. With prophetic urgency, he urged the global community to take concrete actions against climate change and environmental degradation, uniting people of all faiths and ideologies in the care for creation. Also Read | Four Indian Cardinals to take part in Conclave to decide the next Pope 'A bridge-builder among nations and religions, Pope Francis promoted interfaith dialogue with humility and openness. His historic gestures of peace and mutual respect deepened understanding and solidarity among diverse religious traditions. We thank God for the life and ministry of Pope Francis—a true servant-leader, a father to the poor, and a prophet of hope. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come,'' said the association. Pope Francis canonised five lndian saints – St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Eluvathingal on 23rd November 2014, St. Joseph Vaz on 14th January 2015, St. Mariam Thresia Chiramel on 13th October 2019 and St. Devasahayam Pillai on 15th May 2022.
NDTV
21-04-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Pope Francis' Affection For Indians Will Always Be Cherished": PM Modi
New Delhi: Condoling the death of Pope Francis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Catholic priest's affection for the people of India will always be cherished. The 88-year-old leader of 1.4 billion Catholics across the world, suffering from various ailments, breathed his last at the Vatican this morning. PM Modi, who had met the Pope at the G7 summit in Italy last year, said he was deeply pained by Pope's death and extended his condolences to the Catholic community. "Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage by millions across the world," said the Prime Minister. PM Modi said Pope Francis had devoted himself to realising the ideals of Lord Christ from a young age. "He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope," he added. Recalling when he met him on several occasions, the prime minister said the pope inspired him in his journey to ensure an inclusive development. "I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God's embrace," said PM Modi. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) had approached PM Modi in 2022 regarding inviting the Pope to India. CBCI President Mar Andrews Thazhath had said that the PM had asked him to make his visit possible at the earliest. But it could not become a reality for the ailing Catholic leader.
