By Verghese V Joseph –
Rome: Holy Father Francis in a message to Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI) has conveyed his heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness to all the Indian people over the Covid-19 health emergency prevailing in the country.
A virtual meeting of the Council of Cardinals took place this afternoon at 4.00 pm, due to the health situation.
From their respective countries of residence, Cardinals Óscar A. Rodríguez Maradiaga, SDB, Reinhard Marx, Seán Patrick O’Malley, OFM Cap., Oswald Gracias, and Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, OFM Cap., the Cardinals Pietro Parolin and Giuseppe Bertello and the Secretary of the Council, HE Mons. Marco Mellino, took part in the online meeting. The Holy Father followed the work, and connected from Casa Santa Marta, Rome.
During the meeting, Pope Francis discussed some current issues and each cardinal described the situation in their respective region cause by the economic and social consequences of the pandemic. They also dwelt the commitment of the Church in favor of health, economic recovery and the support offered to the most needy.
Subsequently, the members of the Council discussed the working methodology that will have to be implement for the revision and correction of some normative texts following the future entry into force of the next Apostolic Constitution.
The next meeting is set for the month of June.
We reproduce below Pope Francis’ message:
At this time when so many in India are suffering as a result of the present health emergency, I am writing to convey my heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness to all the Indian people, together with the assurance of my prayers that God will grant healing and consolation to everyone affected by this grave pandemic.
My thoughts go above all to the sick and their families, to those who care for them, and in particular to those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. I think too of the many doctors, nurses, hospital workers, ambulance drivers and those working tirelessly to respond to the immediate needs of their brothers and sisters. With deep appreciation I invoke upon all of them God’s gifts of perseverance, strength and peace.
In a particular way, I am united to the Catholic community in your country, with gratitude for its works of charity and fraternal solidarity carried out in the service of all; I think especially of the generosity shown by so many committed young people. I join you in commending to the Lord’s infinite mercy the faithful who have lost their lives, not least the great numbers of priests and men and women religious. In these days of immense grief, may we all be consoled in the hope born of Easter and our unshakeable faith in Christ’s promise of resurrection and new life. To all I send my blessing.
Rome, from Saint John Lateran, 6 May 2021