Vice President Highlights Jesus’ Message of Peace at CBCI Christmas Celebration

New Delhi, 19 December 2025: Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Thursday underscored the enduring relevance of Jesus Christ’s message of peace and harmony, saying it resonates deeply with India’s own spiritual traditions of compassion, coexistence and respect for human dignity.

Addressing the Christmas 2025 celebration organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in New Delhi, where he was the Chief Guest, the Vice President recalled that Christianity reached India as early as 52 AD through St. Thomas the Apostle. He said the essence of Christianity lies in the life and teachings of Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the world to establish peace and harmony among people.

“The message of Jesus is universal,” Shri Radhakrishnan said, adding that it strongly echoes India’s civilisational values that uphold compassion, mutual respect and the dignity of every human person. He noted that such values are particularly relevant in contemporary times, when societies across the world face divisions and conflict.

Before the formal programme, the Vice President, accompanied by other dignitaries, visited the Holy Crib and paid homage to Baby Jesus.

The event was also attended by the Governor of West Bengal, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, as Guest of Honour, along with the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli. Senior Church leaders, including Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church; Cardinal Oswald Gracias; Cardinal Poola Anthony; His Beatitude Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil; Archbishops, Bishops, Ambassadors, religious leaders, Members of Parliament, and political and social leaders from diverse walks of life.

The CBCI Christmas celebration served as a platform to reflect on the spiritual and social message of Christmas, with cultural performances and Christmas carols adding to the festive spirit, while the Vice President’s address remained the central highlight of the evening.

By Catholic Connect Reporter