By Tânia Rêgo/ABr - Agência Brasil, CC BY 3.0 br
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences following the passing of Pope Francis, honoring the pontiff as a compassionate leader dedicated to fostering inclusive and comprehensive development.
“In this moment of sorrow and reflection, I extend my deepest sympathies to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will forever be remembered as a symbol of compassion, humility, and spiritual fortitude by millions around the world,” PM Modi stated in a post on X.
He noted that Pope Francis devoted his life from an early age to the teachings of Lord Christ, engaging in selfless service to the impoverished and marginalized. PM Modi emphasized that the Pope brought hope to those in need and inspired many through his acts of compassion. He also remarked on the Pope’s profound affection for the people of India, which will be cherished. “May his soul find eternal peace in the presence of the Almighty,” PM Modi concluded.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, had been battling a severe respiratory illness for several weeks. He was first admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on February 14, 2025, due to breathing difficulties. Although he received treatment and was discharged on March 24, his health continued to decline.
The Pope was readmitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, due to a respiratory crisis that escalated into double pneumonia.
He assumed leadership during a tumultuous period for the Church, grappling with child sex abuse scandals and internal strife within the Vatican, with a clear objective to restore stability. However, throughout his papacy, he faced significant backlash from conservatives for allegedly neglecting traditional values, while progressives voiced their dissatisfaction, feeling he had not gone far enough in reforming the long-established institution.
