India: Odisha school children honor Pope Francis with love and prayer

In a moving display of love and reverence, nearly a thousand students from St. Catherine’s Girls’ High School and Bijay High School gathered in Raikia, Kandhamal, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who passed on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.

The memorial gathering, organized under the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, reflected the pope’s special bond with students and his enduring legacy of compassion and care for the marginalized.

“We are deeply pained by the loss of a great soul,” said Fr. Pradosh Chandra Nayak, vicar general of the archdiocese. “He was a spiritual leader for the world, known for his love for the poor and marginalized. Francis was truly a pope for the people."

Students and teachers alike expressed their admiration and grief. Daughter of Charity Sr. Basanti Montry, headmistress of St. Catherine’s Girls’ Upper Primary School, said, “We have lost a true shepherd who dared to stand up for the poor and needy. His love for children was profound and sincere.”

Francis often described children as gifts, not problems, and championed their rights and well-being. He urged the world to listen not only to their words but also to their silences and experiences. His firm stance against child abuse and exploitation inspired many to protect the innocence and dignity of every child.

Smita Nayak, a 10th-grade student, offered a simple but powerful prayer: “I pray for the repose of the soul of our dear Pope Francis.”

The Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar currently runs three Odia-medium Christian minority high schools and eight English-medium schools, continuing the mission of education and service cherished by the late pope.

Francis will forever be remembered for his humility, simplicity, and unwavering love for children—values that will continue to shape generations to come.