“Christ is Risen”: Delhi Archdiocese Bids Farewell to Pope Francis with Love and Gratitude

New Delhi. April 24, 2025: “Christ is Risen.” With these final words of Pope Francis still ringing in our hearts, His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, drew the Requiem Mass to a close by reminding the 2,500 faithful gathered that even in the face of death the Resurrection sustains our hope. He called on everyone present to build bridges of mercy, safeguard our common home, and carry the joy of the Gospel into every corner of the world.

On the evening of April 23, 2025, pilgrims and parishioners alike filled the grounds of St. Columba’s School for a solemn Requiem Holy Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, entrusting to God’s mercy the soul of Pope Francis, who passed into eternal life on April 21. Concelebrated by Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto of Delhi, Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Faridabad, Bishop Thomas Mar Anthonios Valiyavilayil of the Syro-Malankara Eparchy of St. John Chrysostom in Gurgaon (Delhi), and dozens of diocesan priests, the liturgy embodied both the universality of the Church and the intimacy of a beloved shepherd’s final tribute.

The diocesan clergy led the choir in soul-lifting hymns timeless melodies and contemporary compositions that wove consolation into every heart present.

Monsignor Vincent D’Souza opened the Mass by acknowledging the dual emotions of sorrow and gratitude. He mourned the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, and expressed deep appreciation for his life and service to the Church. He highlighted Pope Francis as a shepherd deeply connected to his flock, embodying humility and love. He noted that Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. 

Monsignor D’Souza said Francis’s name choice encapsulated his mission: humble service to the poor, peacebuilding, environmental stewardship, synodal dialogue, and, despite declining health, the Jubilee Year of Hope to rekindle Christian joy.

Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto reflected on the providential timing of Pope Francis’s passing, which occurred shortly after Easter Sunday. He described Pope Francis as a tireless witness to the Resurrection, always radiating joy and hope. He recounted the Pope’s journey from a Jesuit priest to the papacy, emphasizing his commitment to simplicity and service. Archbishop Couto highlighted Pope Francis’s efforts to bring the Church closer to the poor and marginalized his emphasis on living a simple life, and his call for the Church to return to the Gospel’s core values.

He also noted the Pope’s desire for a simple funeral, reflecting his humility. Archbishop Couto concluded by acknowledging Pope Francis’s impact on the Church and the world, urging the faithful to continue his mission of spreading God’s love and compassion: “Though we mourn the loss of our beloved Pope Francis, the legacy of joy and hope in our Risen Lord which the Pope has imparted to us unites the whole Church in one great witness of faith, love and thanksgiving at this moment. Let us keep the flame burning bright.”

Archbishop Girelli expressed heartfelt condolences, describing Pope Francis as a shepherd for the universal Church and a tireless advocate for peace and mercy. He recalled the Pope’s final public words on Easter Sunday, “Brothers and sisters, happy Easter,” and his last tweet, “Christ is risen,” emphasizing their enduring message of hope and resurrection. 

He praised Pope Francis’s contributions to interfaith dialogue, social justice, and environmental protection, and he highlighted the Pope’s commitment to the marginalized, his efforts to build a more synodal Church, and his belief in the importance of personal encounters with Jesus Christ. He concluded by urging the faithful to honour Pope Francis’s legacy by continuing to serve others with compassion and humility, embodying the values he championed throughout his pontificate.

As the sun set on the Cathedral grounds, a deep silence filled the space not of despair, but of sacred reverence. Though we now walk without Pope Francis’s physical presence among us, the legacy of his love, his courage, and his Gospel joy lives on.

He taught us to walk together, to listen deeply, and to serve generously. And now, as a pilgrim who has reached his eternal home, he prays for us still.

As we honour his memory, may we carry forward his mission of love and service, confident that he now shares in the eternal joy of the risen Lord.

By Sister Rani Punnasseril HCM