THE GOAN tribute to Pope Francis
PANAJI
A number of bishops hailing from Goa have paid rich tributes to Pope Francis who passed away on Monday, with some sharing fond memories of their interactions with him
It is with a heart heavy with sorrow, yet filled with deep gratitude, that I join the Church universal in mourning the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. His death is not only a loss to the Catholic Church but to the entire world. A shepherd of the poor, a prophet of mercy, and a tireless servant of love has gone to his eternal reward.
For me personally, Pope Francis was more than the Vicar of Christ — he was a fatherly presence and a spiritual guide. It was he who, in 2014, appointed me Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi, and once again in 2024, entrusted me with the responsibility of shepherding the Diocese of Daltonganj. These appointments were sacred moments of trust and affirmation from a father to his son — moments that I will always hold close to my heart.
I was privileged to meet Pope Francis on several occasions. In each meeting, I experienced a man of deep listening, quiet strength, and tender compassion. He had the ability to make you feel truly heard. He carried with him a warm humour, often lightening even formal audiences with his wit and joy. But what stood out the most was his ability to speak from the heart — simply, directly, and lovingly.
From Pope Francis, I learned what it means to be a shepherd who carries the mercy of Christ. His insistence that pastors must “smell like their sheep” was not just rhetoric — he lived it. He moved the Church out of closed doors and into the streets. He taught us to be near to the people, especially the poor, the suffering, and those on the margins. His teachings and example have deeply influenced my own ministry, and I will strive to carry forward his legacy with faithfulness and love.
Even in his physical weakness, his spiritual strength remained unwavering. He reminded us through every action that mercy is the face of God, and the Church must be a house with open doors.
Holy Father Francis, thank you — for your trust, your teachings, and your fatherly care. You showed me and countless others how to lead with love, humility, and courage. As you now rest in the eternal embrace of the Good Shepherd, may your soul rejoice in the peace of Heaven.
The Church will remember you as a Pope of Mercy, a Father to the Forgotten, and a Voice of the Gospel in our time.
- Bishop of Daltonganj Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX
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I am deeply saddened on learning about the death of our beloved Holy Father. In him we had a progressive, exemplary and inspirational leader. He always walked the talk. His writings have given right directions to the Church in challenging times. He was the pope who reached to the peripheries. He embraced the poor, the marginalised and ostracized. His servant leadership will continue to inspire us.
- Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman Simião Fernandes
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Pope Francis is being hailed as a great Pope by one and all. I recall my meetings with Pope Francis, and I could say and write much about him.
I recall, on one occasion, when I was meeting Pope Francis together with a group of Indian Bishops, I requested him for a private audience with him for a couple, that had been longing to meet him, and had failed to meet him on a couple of occasions.
To my surprise, I will say, and to the surprise of all the Bishops who were listening to me, the Pope assured me then and there that it would be granted. And a greater surprise for me it was to know that the very next day, through the Archbishop of Calcutta (the couple were from there), the information reached them about the date on which he would receive them in Private Audience. And they came, they met the Pope...and they were "conquered".
On another occasion when I was meeting the Pope in a private audience, I requested him for a very Special Blessing for my good friend, the well- known late fashion-designer, Wendell Rodricks, who had asked me to get it from him. Telling Pope Francis everything I knew about Wendell, without hiding anything, I requested the Pope for a special blessing for Wendell. Without any hesitation, he asked me for my pen, and signed a message immediately!!
That was Pope Francis, a very human person, but a man of conviction and courage. It was very obvious that Francis was a man who had experienced God's Mercy personally, and so was able to talk about it so frequently.
There is much more that I could say about our beloved Pope Francis. His work and efforts to convince leaders about the futility of wars, about the need to work for the preservation of the ecology, about his efforts towards the building up of inter-religious dialogue, his efforts to make the Church what she should be, a Synodal Church, his contribution towards giving women importance in the Church, etc.
As I bid him Adieu, I pray that God may give Francis the Reward for his toil. Long Live Pope Francis!
- Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair Alex Dias SFX
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“The Holy Father’s vision knew no boundaries. He urged us to be bridge-builders in a divided world, and his reforms — even to funeral rites — emphasised simplicity and faith in the Risen Lord. He led not as a monarch, but as a disciple. In our sorrow, let us honour him by embracing his mission: to be pilgrims of hope and witnesses of mercy.”
- Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay
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Pope Francis was a warm, loving, and affectionate person who supported people in both their joys and struggles.
When I became Archbishop in 2013, I met Pope Francis. He told me, 'Go ahead, don't be afraid, the Lord is with you'. He always used to say, 'I pray for you, so you also pray for me,' that was the simplicity I found in him.
Pope Francis had requested a simple funeral, without the grandeur typically associated with papal funerals.
He will not be buried in the Vatican Crypt but in the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, a place he frequently visited.
The church will pray for his holy soul. Condolence meeting and mass will be held in his memory.
- Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto
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