India: Delhi Archdiocese honors Pope Francis with Requiem Mass and heartfelt tributes

With hearts full of sorrow and hope, over 2,500 faithful gathered for a solemn Requiem Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral grounds in India's New Delhi to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

The liturgy, held on the evening of April 23, was a profound expression of love and gratitude for a pontiff whose humility, joy, and compassion touched lives around the world.

Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, presided over the Mass and concluded the celebration with the pope’s final public words, “Christ is Risen,” reminding all that even in death, the Resurrection sustains our hope.

He urged the faithful to honor Pope Francis’ legacy by building bridges of mercy, caring for our common home, and carrying the Gospel’s joy to all.

The Mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto of Delhi, Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Faridabad, Bishop Thomas Mar Anthonios Valiyavilayil of the Syro-Malankara Eparchy of Gurgaon, and dozens of priests. The choir, led by diocesan clergy, offered hymns that brought comfort and lifted hearts in prayer.

Monsignor Vincent D’Souza opened the liturgy by reflecting on Pope Francis’ life and impact, describing him as a shepherd close to the people, marked by humility and love.

He recalled how the pope’s choice of name—Francis—inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, symbolized his commitment to the poor, peace, and the care of creation.

Couto spoke of the providence in Pope Francis' passing shortly after Easter, calling him “a tireless witness to the Resurrection.”

He praised the pope’s dedication to the marginalized, his call for Gospel simplicity, and his dream of a humble Church walking alongside the people.

He reminded the faithful of Pope Francis’ wish for a simple funeral and called on them to continue his mission: “Let us keep the flame burning bright.”

Girelli offered words of consolation, recalling the pope’s Easter greeting, “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,” and his final tweet, “Christ is risen.” These, he said, encapsulated the pope’s enduring witness to hope.

He celebrated the pope’s advocacy for peace, interfaith dialogue, synodality, and personal encounter with Christ, encouraging all to follow his example of servant leadership.

As dusk fell over the cathedral, the silence that followed was filled not with despair, but with sacred reverence. Pope Francis' physical presence may be gone, but his legacy of joy, compassion, and Gospel-centered love continues to shine in the hearts of those he touched.

"Francis teaches us to walk together, listen with love, and serve with joy. And now, as a pilgrim who has reached his eternal home, he prays for us still," said a participant.