New Delhi/Vatican City– Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, remembering him as a global symbol of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at 7:35 a.m. at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, following a prolonged struggle with respiratory illness and pneumonia.
In a heartfelt tribute, PM Modi extended his condolences to the global Catholic community and reflected on his personal interactions with the Pope.
“Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Modi said in a statement. “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.”
He recalled the Pope’s lifelong dedication to Christian values and service to the marginalized. “From a young age, he devoted himself to realizing the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden, igniting hope in the hearts of the suffering,” Modi said. “I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and holistic development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”
Pope Francis had met Prime Minister Modi on multiple occasions, including a private audience at the Vatican in October 2021—the first meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and a Pope in more than two decades. Their most recent interaction was during the G7 Summit’s Outreach Session in Borgo Egnazia, Italy, where Modi praised the Pope’s dedication to global well-being and extended an invitation for him to visit India.
“Met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. I admire his commitment to serve people and make our planet better. Also invited him to visit India,” Modi had posted on X following their encounter.
India shares longstanding diplomatic ties with the Holy See, dating back to 1948. The country is also home to the second-largest Catholic population in Asia, further underscoring the significance of Pope Francis’s legacy in India.
The Vatican formally announced the Pope’s passing through Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, on Monday afternoon India time. Pope Francis leaves behind a lasting global legacy of faith, humanity, and social justice. (Source: IANS)
