'Will Always Be Remembered As Beacon Of Spiritual Courage': PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Demise Of Pope Francis

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the demise of Pope Francis. In an X post, PM Modi said that the Pope will always be remembered as a "beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage".

"Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world," the Prime Minister said.

"From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope," he said.

The Prime Minister also recalled the memories of his meeting with 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," he wrote in the X post.

PM Modi's X Post:

PM Modi had met the Pope in June 2024 at the Outreach session of the G7 Summit in Apulia, southern Italy. During that meeting, PM Modi invited him to visit India.

"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,” Modi had said in a post on X after meeting the Pope.

In 2021 also PM Modi met the Pope. That meeting was held during a private audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican in October 2021. That time, the two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for people across the world. They also discussed the challenges posed by climate change.

Earlier on Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the Pope's death. ""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. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church," he stated. The Pope was 88 years old.

Pope Francis was hospitalised in February this year after a bout of bronchitis worsened. It reportedly developed into a complex lung infection and double pneumonia. Almost a month later, he was discharged from the hospital.

Pope Francis led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years.

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