Former Archbishop of Bombay, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, on Monday condoled the demise of Pope Francis, whom he recalled as a person continuously engaged in promoting peace, compassion, and for the poor.
Archbishop of Hyderabad, Cardinal Poola Anthony, on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, and describing him as a "shepherd to the universal Church and a prophetic voice of mercy, justice, and peace in the world".
"He is a man who is with the people. The last ceremony he participated in was a celebration of faith with the people on Easter," he said. After nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale the process of choosing the next pope begins.
Apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and multiple others also condoled the demise of the Pope.
"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," the Prime Minister said.
The 88-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church was recently discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he spent five weeks receiving treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.
Hundreds of devotees gathered inside the church to offer their prayers and celebrate Easter Sunday, celebrated across the country's Christian community and others.
Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday visited the Lourdes Syro Malabar Forane Church in Thiruvananthapuram to attend the Easter prayers today.
The meeting comes after months of tension between the administration of US President Donald Trump and American church leaders over immigration policies.
Earlier in the day, several political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, extended their Good Friday wishes and reflected on the significance of the day.