India Didn't Open Its Doors, But Heaven Did: Archbishop Anil Couto on Pope’s Desire to Visit India

As tributes pour in for Pope Francis, Indian Church leaders reflect on his legacy with deep reverence and emotion.

"Everyone was waiting for his arrival. He was also waiting," Archbishop Anil Couto said. "Around five years ago, Pope Francis told us, ‘I’m knocking on the doors of your government, but they’re not opening the doors to me.’ Today, perhaps God has opened the doors for him in heaven, and from there, he prays for our country."

The Pope’s long-desired visit to India never materialised. Although Indian leaders later extended invitations, circumstances prevented his arrival. "Yes, he wanted to come. The Prime Minister had later invited him. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, he was not able to make it," the Archbishop said. "But that’s okay. It’s all in God’s plan. Whatever He wants, that happens."

As the Vatican prepares for official events in Rome, the question arose of who might be representing the CBCI. To this, Archbishop Anil answered, "It has not yet been fixed who will represent the CBCI [Catholic Bishops' Conference of India]," he shared. "We have the CBCI President, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath from Thrissur, and he’s in India. Whether he will go, I do not know. But all Indian Cardinals, who are part of the conclave, will definitely attend."

Despite the formalities of most encounters, Pope Francis left a lasting personal impression on those who met him. "I met him during the Ad Limina visit in 2019 and on other occasions like the Wednesday audiences, where bishops get a few seconds to speak to him. He always said, ‘Pray for me, I pray for you. Go ahead, don’t be afraid.’ His English was limited, but his warmth was clear."

Remembered fondly as "the sound of the soundless," Pope Francis championed the causes of the marginalised. "He was the voice of the voiceless—the poor, the migrants, the marginalised. He lived simply and spoke boldly. He will be remembered as one of the greatest Popes who brought a true Gospel vision to the Church."

Pope Francis's commitment to synodality and inclusion became a cornerstone of his papacy. "He insisted that those on the margins be brought into the mainstream. That is his great legacy—one of compassion, humility, and fearless advocacy."

Source: One Media TV