New Delhi, April 21, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, the 87-year-old head of the Catholic Church, who died on Sunday in Vatican City after a brief illness. In a heartfelt message, Modi called him a “beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage,” lauding his tireless work for peace and interfaith unity, per Times of India. The Pope’s death, confirmed by the Holy See, ends an 11-year papacy marked by reforms and global outreach.
Modi, who met Francis in 2021 at the Vatican, highlighted his “profound impact” on India’s 2.8 crore Christians, noting his 2019 call for harmony during Delhi’s anti-CAA protests (The Indian Express). “His legacy will inspire generations,” Modi tweeted, joining world leaders like US VP JD Vance, who visited India Sunday, in paying tribute (The Hindu). X buzzes with grief—“Francis was hope!”—but some reflect on tensions: “Vatican clashed with Modi on conversions” (X post). India’s 2024 saw 1,200 religious disputes, 15% involving Christians (NCRB).
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, championed climate action and refugee rights, visiting 60 nations, including a 2017 Myanmar trip addressing Rohingya persecution (Business Standard). His 2023 encyclical on poverty resonated in India, where 7% live below the poverty line (NITI Aayog). Yet, his push for women’s roles and same-sex blessings sparked debate—India’s 70% Hindu majority split on his liberal stance (India Today). “He bridged faiths but rattled some,” a Delhi priest told The Economic Times.
