The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis Easter Sunday, marking the end of a transformative papacy, which made the poor champions, promoted the Interfaith dialogue, and demanded to modernize the Catholic Church. 88-year-old Pontiff, who struggled with serious health challenges earlier this year, died in his Vatican residence.
Global tribute to Pope Francis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the condolences in India, calling Pope Francis “Beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage“, which inspired millions of people around the world. Modi shared his Vatican meeting in 2021 and the summit in 2024 G7, and remembered the Pope’s “Love for India” and commitment to inclusive development.
A Papacy of Reform and Controversy
In 2013, the first Latin American pope was chosen as the Pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and rejected the Grand Pope Apartments to live municipal apartment and prioritize simplicity. His terms of office were focused on social justice, climate change, and migrant rights, but he faced criticism from the stereotypes that opposed the reforms and progressives who sought rapid change.
Strengthen the relationship between India Vatican
Modi’s 2021 The Vatican Yatra, in two decades, first highlighted by an Indian prime minister, and his 2024 meeting emphasized the shared goals of the extinction of climate change and the extinction of poverty. India, the second-largest Catholic population in Asia, has maintained diplomatic relations with the Vatican since 1948.
Health conflict and the last day
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital for a long period of bilateral pneumonia in early 2025. Despite the open health, he blessed Easter a few hours before his death, and encouraged a ceasefire and condemnation of humanitarian crises.
PM Modi’s Emotional Tribute and Global Reaction
“Deeply pained by his passing,” Modi tweeted, emphasizing the Pope’s dedication to Christ’s ideals and the poor. He invited the pontiff to India during their last meeting.
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… pic.twitter.com/QKod5yTXrB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2025
Ethiopia’s PM: “His legacy of compassion will inspire generations.” East Timor’s President ordered a week-long national mourning. US VP: Shared Easter greetings with the Pope a day before his death.
India’s Catholic Community Mourns the Death of Pope Francis
With over 20 million Catholics, India’s churches are expected to hold special prayers. The Pope’s climate discussions with Modi remain a touchstone for interfaith collaboration. In His Words: “The Church must be a field hospital for the wounded, not a museum for saints.”—Pope Francis.
