Global mourning, prayers held across Jharkhand at Pope Francis’ passing away

Mail News Service

Ranchi/Vatican City, April 21: Pope Francis, the 266th supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday morning at 7:35 am (Rome time) at the Casa Santa Marta residence in the Vatican. The 88-year-old Pontiff had been critically ill following a double pneumonia attack and was on a ventilator due to a severe respiratory condition known as bronchospasm.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, confirmed his passing and praised Pope Francis for his life dedicated to faith, compassion, and courage. “He showed us how to live in service to God, the Church and humanity,” he stated.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit, first non-European, and first Latin American to ascend to the papacy. Elected on March 13, 2013, he led the Church through a decade of reforms, emphasizing social justice, environmental care and outreach to the poor and marginalized.

His death triggered a wave of grief worldwide, including in Jharkhand. In Ranchi, special prayers were held in Saint Mary’s Cathedral, CNI and GEL churches. Bishops, priests, nuns, and Christian faithful gathered to honor his memory and pray for peace.

Praveen Kachhap, State General Secretary of the All India Christian Minority Front, said, “Pope Francis’ death is an irreparable loss to all humanity. His life was devoted to the values of Jesus Christ, service to the poor and the spiritual guidance of the Church.”

Other leaders including national vice president Ajit Tirkey, state president Kulbhushan Dungdung, spokesperson Rajkumar Nagvanshi, legal advisor Deepti Horo, Arun Hansda, Ajay Kumar Ekka, and Ajay Odeya also paid tribute.

With his passing, the Vatican’s College of Cardinals will soon begin the process to elect the next Pope, marking the end of a compassionate and transformative era in Church history.