“Pope Francis was a joyful witness of the Risen Lord”: Cardinal Ferrao

Old Goa, April 25, 2025 – Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, paid heartfelt tributes to the late Pope Francis during a solemn Mass held on Thursday at the Se Cathedral in Old Goa. The Mass, offered in suffrage of the departed pontiff, included a deeply moving homily from the Cardinal, who reflected on Pope Francis' unwavering faith, humility, and lifelong commitment to service.

In his homily, Cardinal Ferrao described Pope Francis as a "joyful witness of the Risen Lord" and a "shining image of the Good Shepherd". The Cardinal shared personal memories of his encounters with the Pope, recounting how, on multiple occasions, Pope Francis would ask him, “Please pray for me.”

Cardinal Ferrao also recalled moments from synod meetings in Rome, where Pope Francis, despite his status, chose to walk from his residence to the venue rather than travel by car, exemplifying his simplicity and humility. “He lived a life of service to others,” the cardinal remarked, highlighting the pope’s commitment to a humble and approachable leadership style. Despite facing physical challenges in his later years, Cardinal Ferrao noted that Pope Francis remained ever cheerful. “I never saw him without a beaming smile on his face,” he said.

The Cardinal also reflected on Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, in which the Pope emphasised the need for the Church to reach out to the margins and embrace the poor and the forgotten. “He was a man for others. His entire life was a perfect self-gift of love,” Cardinal Ferrao stated, underscoring the Pope's vision of a compassionate, outward-looking Church.

The third key aspect of Pope Francis’ legacy, according to Cardinal Ferrao, was his love for the environment. Through his encyclical 'Laudato Si’, the Pope called for ecological and intergenerational justice, urging the faithful to see the protection of the planet as a spiritual responsibility.

Concluding his homily, Cardinal Ferrao recalled Pope Francis' advice to priests, urging them to "have the smell of their sheep," a reminder of the Pope’s pastoral heart and his deep connection to the people.

Cardinal Ferrao departed for Rome on Thursday night to attend the funeral of Pope Francis and participate in the conclave to elect the next Pope.

By Catholic Connect Reporter