Press Note - Archdioceses Interfaith Prayer Service Honours Pope Francis, Inspires Call for Peace and Unity

Mumbai, India— The Archdiocese of Bombay hosted an interfaith prayer service on 25th April 2025 at 11:30 am to honour Pope Francis and his enduring message of compassion, dialogue, and fraternity. The event, held at Archbishop House Conference Hall brought together Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, religious leaders from Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain communities, diplomats, and Catholic faithful, reflecting the diversity and unity championed by the Holy Father. 

The service opened with the hymn Make Me a Channel of Your Peace—a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi and a favourite of Pope Francis—setting the tone for an evening of shared prayer and reflection. Attendees joined in praying for the intentions of the universal Church, culminating in the recitation of the Our Father a gesture underscoring common spiritual aspirations across traditions. 

In a gesture of solemn reverence and respect for the life and legacy of Pope Francis, the dignitaries offered floral tributes. A specially curated video underscored his humility, global vision, and dedication to marginalized communities, resonating deeply with attendees. Martin Maier, Consul General of Switzerland and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, praised the Pope’s advocacy for peace, stating, “His Holiness reminds us that dialogue and solidarity are the cornerstones of a just world.” 

Archbishop John Rodrigues, Archbishop of Bombay, shared his personal anecdotes of encounters with Pope Francis, highlighting the Pontiff’s “radical love for the poor and his ability to bridge divides.” He urged attendees to embody this spirit, saying, “Let us become artisans of peace, mending the fractures in our world through small acts of mercy.” 

Archbishop John thanked the Governor, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan for expressing his desire to be part of this memorial service and his presence to his interfaith meeting speaks as a testament to India’s pluralistic ethos and the universal values Pope Francis embodies.” 

The service concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to serve as “ambassadors of love and peace,” inspired by the Pope’s legacy. As the Archbishop noted, “In a world yearning for healing, we are called to be channels of God’s grace, just as Pope Francis urged.” 

This gathering not only honoured Pope Francis but also illuminated the power of interfaith collaboration in addressing humanity’s deepest challenges—a beacon of hope echoing far beyond Mumbai’s shores.

Fr. Nigel Barrett

Friday, 25h April 2025