A jubilant Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao stands along with other cardinals at the St Peter’s Basilica as the new Pope Leo XIV came out of the balcony on Thursday evening.
THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) have expressed its heartfelt gratitude and great joy upon receiving the news of the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Successor of Saint Peter and Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
While CCBI President and Archbishop of Goa Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão had participated in the conclave to elect the new pope, CCBI Vice-President and Archbishop of Bangalore Peter Machado, on behalf of the bishops of the CCBI, expressed deep gratitude to God for the gift of a new Shepherd to the Universal Church.
“With faith and filial love, we welcome Pope Leo XIV, rejoicing in his election and entrusting his pontificate to the providence of God,” stated Archbishop Machado.
The CCBI also conveyed its appreciation to the College of Cardinals for their prayerful discernment under the guidance of the Holy Spirit during the conclave.
Recognising Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral experience, humility, and dedication to the Gospel, the bishops affirmed their commitment to walking in communion with him in the shared mission of evangelisation, justice, peace, and care for the poor and creation.
The CCBI has assures the Holy Father of constant prayers and support of the Latin Church in India, invoking the blessings of the Triune God upon Pope Leo IV as he begins his sacred ministry.
“May his pontificate be marked by grace, courage, and deep love. We invite all the faithful in India and all peoples of good will to join us in praying for Pope Leo XIV as he leads the Universal Church,” stated Archbishop Machado.
In a similar statement, the CBCI stated that the Church in India “joins with millions of Catholics around the world in raising our hearts and minds in thanksgiving to the Heavenly Father for providing us a shepherd after the pattern and image of His Son, Jesus Christ, the Supreme Shepherd.”
“The Church in India pledges its total loyalty and allegiance to the new Pope Leo XIV, and assure His Holiness of our fervent prayers that the Holy Spirit who inspired the Cardinal-electors to choose Cardinal Robert Francis Provest as the successor of St. Peter, may continue to guide and strengthen His Holiness in the discharge of the duties of the Petrine Ministry for the good of the Catholic Church and for the well-being of the entire humanity,” stated CBCI Secretary General and Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto.
“The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, with humility and satisfaction, takes note of the fact that four of its Cardinals took part in this Conclave, which is unique in the history of the Church in India.”
