Pope Francis conveys ‘heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness to all Indian people’

The Holy Father on Thursday conveyed a message of “healing and consolation” to Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Bombay

Pope Francis on Thursday conveyed a “heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness” to the Indian people in a message to Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay. 

“At this time when so many in India are suffering as a result of the present health emergency, I am writing to convey my heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness to all the Indian people, together with the assurance of my prayers that God will grant healing and consolation to everyone affected by this grave pandemic,” read the message to Gracias, who is also the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI). 

Pope Francis said that his “thoughts go above all to the sick and their families” and to those who care for them—in particular to those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. "I think too of the many doctors, nurses, hospital workers, ambulance drivers, and those working tirelessly to respond to the immediate needs of their brothers and sisters. With deep appreciation, I invoke upon all of them God’s gifts of perseverance, strength, and peace.”

He concluded: “In a particular way, I am united to the Catholic community in your country, with gratitude for its works of charity and fraternal solidarity carried out in the service of all; I think especially of the generosity shown by so many committed young people…To all I send my blessing.”

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