When Pope Francis Met PM Modi: A Warm Hug & An Invite To India
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American Pope, passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, leaving behind a legacy of humility, service, and dialogue. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, from the Casa Santa Marta, where the pontiff had been residing. The news came just a day after Pope Francis made an unexpected public appearance on Easter Sunday, addressing over 35,000 faithful in St. Peter’s Square.
While the world grieves the loss of a spiritual leader, India, too, pauses to reflect, particularly on a historic moment when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pope Francis in June 2024 at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy. It was one of the rare times when the two leaders came face to face.
A Final Farewell from the Vatican
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell said in the official statement.
His tribute described Pope Francis as a servant of the Church who championed the values of the Gospel “with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.” The message ended with a prayer: “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the one and triune God.”
Modi’s Meeting With the Pope: A Rare and Warm Exchange
The Prime Minister and Pope Francis shared a light-hearted, cordial moment at the Outreach session of the G7 Summit, where the pontiff — then 87 — was wheeled around the table to greet world leaders. PM Modi was seen chatting with the Pope and later shared photos from the meeting on social media.
“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 wrote in his post.
That meeting held symbolic significance, not only because it was the first and only meeting between the two but also because it took place amid growing interest in India-Vatican ties. India, which established diplomatic relations with the Holy See in 1948, is home to the second-largest Catholic population in Asia.
It should be noted that Pope Francis never got to visit India. But rumours and reports suggested that his visit could most likely take place after 2025.
PM Modi tweeted on Monday after the Pope passed away, saying, "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."
A Moment of Encouragement for India’s Christian Community
The Pope’s interaction with PM Modi resonated with many in India’s Christian community. Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of the Faridabad Syro-Malabar Diocese welcomed the exchange, calling it “so pleasant” and “encouraging.”
“It was so pleasant to see our PM Modi meeting Pope Francis this morning in Italy. The official press release of The Holy See mentions that after the discourse of Pope Francis, there was a bilateral meeting between him and PM Modi. It is so encouraging for the Christian community to see that our PM is meeting the head of the Catholic Church,” he said in a video message.
He added, “While appreciating all that our PM is doing for the Christian community, our wish is that the newly installed government under the leadership of PM Modi would address the risks and challenges the Christian community is facing in our country.”
A Voice for Ethics in a Changing World
During the 2024 G7 Outreach session, Pope Francis also delivered a passionate address on technology, ethics, and global cooperation. Speaking on topics like Artificial Intelligence, energy, and development in Africa and the Mediterranean, he urged world leaders to act with responsibility.
“It is up to each of us to make good use of AI,” he said during his address, underscoring his commitment to moral guidance in a rapidly transforming world.
Pope Francis leaves behind a lasting impact not only on the global Catholic Church but also on international diplomacy, where his gentle influence encouraged bridge-building over barriers. His single meeting with PM Modi may have been brief, but it symbolised the possibility of dialogue and respect between two very different worlds — and it now stands as a poignant memory in a chapter that has come to a close.
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