Team Herald
PANJIM: Tributes from Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik, and Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade poured in after the Vatican announced Pope Francis had died on Easter Monday.
In a deeply personal message, Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai expressed heartfelt condolences, describing the Pope as “a beacon of mercy, compassion, and humility for the entire world.” He said, “It is with profound sorrow and reverence that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the spiritual head of the Catholic Church.”
Reflecting on a memorable encounter, Pillai recalled receiving a personal blessing from the Pope through Cardinal George Koovakatt during a visit to the Goa Raj Bhavan just four months ago. “On my request to honour him and his delegation from the Vatican, Cardinal Koovakatt presented to me a blessed crucifix of Jesus Christ, two sacred rosaries, and a portrait of Mother Mary—an unforgettable gesture of spiritual grace that I shall always treasure.”
Calling Pope Francis “a man of the poor and the marginalised,” the Governor highlighted the pontiff’s deep compassion and advocacy for the oppressed, as reflected in his book The Name of God is Mercy (2015). Pillai also praised Pope Francis’s warmth towards India and its leadership, recalling the affection he extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Italy.
“He chose to live in a modest home, cooked his own meals, and travelled using public transport—a rare embodiment of spiritual authenticity in today’s world,” said Pillai, drawing a parallel between the Pope and St Francis of Assisi.
“Pope Francis will always be remembered as a spiritual teacher of the highest order, who tirelessly spread the message of human love, global harmony, and peace. A bold reformer, he courageously addressed critical global issues—be it terrorism, climate change, or the plight of refugees—always standing firm for justice, compassion, and human dignity,” Pillai concluded.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also joined the nation in mourning, stating, “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His unwavering commitment to peace, compassion, and the upliftment of humanity transcended borders and faiths.”
The Chief Minister extended heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community in Goa and across the world on behalf of the state government.
Union Minister Shripad Naik remarked, “A beacon of compassion and humility, he dedicated his life to Christ’s ideals, serving the poor and inspiring hope among the suffering. His legacy will endure forever.”
Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade said, “He was a compassionate leader who dedicated his life to peace, kindness, and serving people across all faiths. My heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community in Goa and around the world.”
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. His global impact, marked by simplicity, social justice, and spiritual leadership, leaves behind a legacy mourned by millions across all faiths.
BJP leader Savio Rodrigues has also requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare a national day of mourning in honour of Pope Francis. Rodrigues praised the late pontiff as a “true friend of India” who had a deep longing to visit the country. He highlighted Pope Francis’s message of peace, compassion, and unity, which resonated across faiths and touched countless lives.
In his request, Rodrigues stated that millions of Indian Christians, as well as people of different religions in India and abroad, mourn the Pope’s passing. Declaring a national day of mourning, he said, would be a mark of India’s respect for the pontiff’s commitment to humanity, harmony, and hope.