A deep sorrow filled the hearts of around 500 faithful who gathered at Our Lady of Charity Parish in Raikia, Kandhamal, Odisha, to mourn the death of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.
Among the mourners was Rajendra Digal, a survivor of the 2008 Kandhamal violence and son of Servant of God Kantheswar Digal, one of the 35 Kandhamal martyrs whose process of beatification was approved during Pope Francis’ papacy.
They are currently known as "Servants of God."
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of our dear Pope Francis, who recognized the martyrdom of 35 Kandhamal victims, including my father. I sincerely pray that God may grant him eternal rest,” Rajendra said with emotion.
The pope’s death brought tears and renewed grief to Ashalota Nayak, the widow of martyr Bikram Nayak from Tiangia village. “His recognition of our suffering gave us strength,” she said.
On October 18, 2023, the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints granted nihil obstat (no objection) to initiate the beatification process for Kantheswar Digal and 34 other Kandhamal martyrs, who were brutally killed during the anti-Christian violence of 2008. That violence, which began on August 24 and lasted over four months, claimed more than 100 lives, wounded hundreds, and displaced over 56,000 people.
“Pope Francis will always be remembered for approving the beatification process of the Kandhamal martyrs,” said Bipracharan Nayak, former president of the Kandhamal Survivor Association. “This has strengthened our faith in Christ despite threats and persecution.”
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, served the Church for over 12 years. Known for his humility, concern for the poor, and tireless work for justice and peace, he became pope in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Despite various health issues, he remained a beacon of hope and compassion until the end.
His legacy continues to inspire millions, including the resilient faithful of Kandhamal.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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