Pics: Nithin Pereira

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Apr 26: "In a world overshadowed by hatred, war, and division, Pope Francis stood as a beacon of peace, love, and hope," said the bishop of Udupi diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. He described Pope Francis as a great leader who proclaimed compassion and mercy as the highest virtues of the Church.

He was speaking on Friday, April 25, at the interfaith tribute organized by the Udupi Catholic diocese in collaboration with the All-Karnataka Christian Human Rights and Ecumenical Forum, Udupi District, held in memory of the late Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis.

Bishop Lobo highlighted that Pope Francis led the Church with humility, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel. He followed the path of truth and righteousness, living a life of dedication, courage, and universal love, especially for the poor, the marginalized, and those in need. His papacy was marked by a tireless pursuit of peace, justice, care for the poor, and a deep love for creation.

The bishop recalled how Pope Francis called every Christian to become an instrument of mercy. He personally visited prisons, embraced inmates, washed their feet, visited refugee camps, and offered them comfort showing that God's mercy should reach even the most forgotten corners of the world. He reminded the Church to always stand with the poor, the oppressed, the homeless, and the socially excluded.

He further noted that the Pope emphasized love, peace, and harmony, reviving the spirit of global brotherhood. He condemned injustice and economic inequality, reminding the world of the message, "The world is one family, and we are all brothers and sisters." Through the encyclical Laudato Si', he called for urgent action for the "liberation of the Earth and a response to the cry of the poor." Pope Francis presented an inclusive environmental vision that stressed the care and preservation of nature for future generations.

Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake also spoke, calling Pope Francis a symbol of interfaith unity who transcended religious boundaries. “He responded to hatred and unrest with peace and showed through his actions that God resides in the hearts of the poor. His humane and loving personality will remain eternal in society.”

As part of the event, homage was also paid to 29 innocent civilians killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

The event was graced Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, chancellor Fr Steven D’Souza, and priests Fr Roshan D’Souza, Fr Vishal Lobo, Fr Anil D’Souza, Fr Rajesh Pessanha, Fr Romeo Lewis, Fr George D’Souza, Fr Vijay D’Souza, Fr Ashwin Aranha, and Fr Alphonsus D’Lima. Spiritual leaders from various denominations like Syrian, CSI, and Basel Mission also attended.

Fr Charles Menezes, Udupi deanery dean and parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, welcomed the gathering and Fr Leo Praveen D’Souza offered the vote of thanks. Fr Denis D’Sa, public relations officer of the diocese, compered the programme.