Agartala April 22, 2025: The passing of Pope Francis leaves a profound void in the heart of the Church and in my own spirit. He was not just a Pope; he was a visionary, a reformer, and a spiritual father who embodied the Gospel in its purest form.
His leadership was marked by deep humility, unshakable faith, and a passionate love for the poor, the marginalized, and the suffering.
What touched me most was his large, compassionate heart—always open to the cries of the needy, the voice of the migrant, and the silent suffering of the forgotten. In a world so often driven by power and privilege, Pope Francis reminded us of the Church’s true face: a field hospital, a place of mercy, healing, and hope.
I was deeply blessed to have met Pope Francis in person last year—a moment I consider a profound grace in my life.
Gazing into his eyes was a soothing experience that radiated peace, and holding his hands felt nothing short of healing.
In that brief encounter, I sensed the nearness of Christ himself. His presence was not only holy, but also immensely human.
He was deeply committed to the integrity of creation, urging us to care for our common home with a prophetic voice through Laudato Si’.
His concern for the environment was not political but profoundly spiritual, rooted in the belief that every creature reflects the love of the Creator.
Pope Francis dared to dream of a Church that goes out to the peripheries, that listens, that accompanies, that welcomes. His call for synodality, his tireless pursuit of peace, and his openness to dialogue showed a Church not closed in on itself, but one walking with humanity.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable successor of Peter, I give thanks to God for the gift of his life and leadership.
His memory will inspire generations to come, and his legacy will continue to challenge us to live the Gospel with courage, compassion, and joy.
May this shepherd after God’s own heart rest in the eternal embrace of the Father whom he served so faithfully.
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Community reactions
Sister Marina, a Bethanese sister working in Arunachal Pradesh said, “I was shocked at the news of the sudden passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis — a great leader whose compassionate commitment to peace touched countless lives. He was always so natural and friendly”.
She added, “I was deeply saddened and felt a real sense of personal loss because he was very significant for me in my life. There was a real hope in my heart that he was on the road to recovery. But to hear that our Lord, the Risen Christ, came to take him this Easter time was heartbreaking”.
According to Sister Marina, His Holiness Pope Francis had a deep understanding of all the different issues across the Church’s life and membership.
“In terms of Pope Francis as a person, he delivered a lasting impact on my life because I looked up to him as an example. I felt extremely grateful for everything that the world has received from him”, she commented.
“People were able to relate to him on a human level and get closer to God. Although I never met him personally, just hearing him speak, I feel Pope Francis had a great and deep love for Jesus and everyone else around him. His loss will be really tough on all of us.
Pope Francis was a good leader, a strong leader, and he was an inspiration. He was simple and honest and pure of heart in loving everyone. I believe in heaven, Pope Francis is going to do more for us — he’s going to intercede for this world. And my prayer is that he now enjoys the company of the saints in the Kingdom of Heaven”, the Sister said.
Community members of Tripura, Assam and other states also expressed deep shock at the passing of the Holy Father.
A Government official Paul Darlong said, “we will always remember his humility, his desire to be of service to all people, his desire for peace in the world,
to remind us that we all are brothers and sisters in Christ”.
Community members opined, “The Holy Father was aware of God’s mercy until his last breath. The world has lost a great leader and a great loving father”.
With sincere prayers for the holy father, they said Pope Francis was a true disciple and true follower of Christ.
*Fr. Jeevan, SVD is Regional Superior, SVD India Guwahati Region
