Bangalore, April 21, 2025: The Catholic Church in India has joined the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, describing his death as an immeasurable loss to the entire Church.
In an official message issued from the CCBI General Secretariat in Bangalore, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and Archbishop of Goa and Daman, expressed profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss, honouring Pope Francis as a true shepherd of God’s people who dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel, defending the poor, and inspiring compassion and justice.
The late pontiff, who served as the Supreme Pontiff from 2013 to 2025, is remembered for transforming the Church into a synodal community, promoting dialogue, listening, inclusion, and compassion. His landmark teachings on ecology, especially through Laudato Si, sparked global awareness and action on care for creation.
Cardinal Ferrão also noted Pope Francis’ deep affection for India, highlighting his consistent message to prioritise the poor and vulnerable. Recalling the Pope’s message to the Indian bishops during the 36th CCBI Plenary Assembly in Bhubaneswar earlier this year, he said the Holy Father had encouraged them to “open wide the doors of the Church” and continue the synodal journey.
The Indian Church also celebrated Pope Francis for canonising five Indian saints during his pontificate, including St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal, St. Joseph Vaz, St. Mariam Thresia Chiramel, and St. Devasahayam Pillai.
As a mark of respect, the CCBI has called upon all dioceses, parishes, religious communities, and families to observe nine days of mourning. Church bells will toll to announce the passing of the Holy Father, and Requiem Masses will be held across the country.
Wherever possible, dioceses are encouraged to organise special Requiem Masses at cathedrals, bringing together clergy and the faithful in collective prayer and remembrance.
The statement concludes with a prayer for the eternal repose of Pope Francis, entrusting him to the merciful embrace of God and invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for strength in these times of grief.
