Verghese V Joseph –
New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has welcomed the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis, which took place during the G7 summit in Italy on Friday.
This significant meeting marked a new chapter in the relationship between India, the world’s largest democracy, and the global spiritual leadership of the Catholic Church. The CBCI hoped that the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Pope Francis was both meaningful and constructive, paving the way for enhanced understanding and cooperation between the two entities.
The CBCI said it was delighted by Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to Pope Francis to visit India, reflecting a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect. During a meeting with CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath last year, Prime Minister Modi mentioned that he had already invited the Pope and would do so again. The Catholic Church in India eagerly anticipates the visit of Pope Francis and looks forward to extending a warm and heartfelt welcome.
In a statement, the CBCI stated that it remains committed to fostering harmonious relations and constructive dialogue between the political leadership and religious communities in India. The organization hopes that this historic meeting will inspire further efforts towards peace, unity, and the common good.
The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Pope Francis has opened up opportunities for enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the government and the Catholic Church in India. This could lead to increased collaboration on various issues, including social and environmental concerns.
The meeting is seen as a marking a new chapter in the relationship between India and the Catholic Church. It was also seen as a symbol of the commitment of both leaders to fostering global understanding and cooperation.
The meeting highlighted the shared concerns of both leaders regarding social and environmental issues, such as poverty, climate change, and human rights. This could lead to increased efforts and resources dedicated to addressing these challenges.
Remember the last papal visit of Pope John Paul II and his absurd statement that the third millennium of Christianity was for the conversion of Asia. We are yet to live down that disastrous claim on Indian soil ad a guest of the State.