Blitz Bureau
PRIME Minister Narendra Modi said that he was deeply pained by the passing of Pope Francis.
Fondly recalling his meetings with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, PM Modi said that Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world.
“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,” PM Modi said in his condolence message.
“From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope. 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,” he added.
During his meetings with the late Pope, PM Modi had always admired his commitment to serve people and had also extended an invitation to him to visit India at an early date.
“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,” the Prime Minister posted on X after meeting the Pope at the G7 Summit’s Outreach Session in Borgo Egnazia, last year.
Narendra Modi
In October 2021, the Pope received PM Modi during a private audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, which was also the first meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and the Pope in more than two decades. It was in June 2000 that late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had last visited the Vatican and met the then Pope, John Paul II.
Meanwhile, several world leaders have also mourned the passing of the Pope.
US President Donald Trump paid his respects to late Pope Francis in a short post on his Truth Social platform. “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” Trump said.
US Vice-President J D Vance, who had a brief private meeting with Pope Francis in Italy, said, “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul,” said Vance.
“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry,” King Charles said in a statement.
