'Will be remembered as beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage': PM Modi condoles Pope Francis

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday mourned on the death of Pope Francis, describing the pontiff as a global symbol of "beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage".

In an official statement, PM Modi conveyed his condolences to the global Catholic community, lauding Pope Francis’ life and achievements. “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope," he said in a post on X.
Sharing old images of himself with the Pope, PM further said, "I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace."

Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church through a transformative period marked by calls for reform and outreach to the vulnerable, passed away on Monday at the age of 88.