Hazaribagh Diocese, Pays Tribute to Pope Francis with Prayer and Holy Mass

Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, 26 April, 2025 – The Catholic Diocese of Hazaribagh held a solemn Requiem Mass this morning at 8:00 am in Transfiguration Cathedral Church to honour the life and legacy of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, 21 April.

Fr. Vincent Hansda S.J., Provincial Superior of the Jesuit Province of Hazaribagh, celebrated the Holy Mass, while Fr. RC Chako delivered the homily, reflecting on the Pope’s humility, simplicity, and his profound concern for the poor, migrants, and marginalised communities.

In a mark of respect and mourning, Jharkhand’s minority schools and many diocesan institutions declared a holiday. Thousands of faithful gathered at the Cathedral to express their solidarity with the universal Church and to pay homage to the beloved pontiff.

The atmosphere was one of deep reverence as clergy, religious, and laity came together in prayer, united by Pope Francis’s enduring example of compassion and service.

By Fr. Anup Lakra

Hazaribagh Diocese