Eyebrows raised in surprise, disappeared into hairlines altogether as the Christian community read and heard about PM Narendra Modi’s ‘visit India’ invite to Pope Francis. The invite was extended as the PM was at the Vatican recently to meet the Pope, a scheduled 30-minute meet, stretching to double that time. Subsequent reports have stated that the Vatican has accepted the invite.

While there are exceptions, largely the BJP is looked on with suspicion by the Christian community because of what they call its saffron slant. The community weighs in whether the ‘from Vadnagar (Modi’s birthplace in Gujarat) to the Vatican’ visit and the invite is a gimmick or heartfelt gesture.