ASIA/INDIA - The governor of Karnataka: "Pope John Paul was not only a leader of the Catholics, he exercised moral and spiritual influence on the entire world. He belongs to every one”.

Thursday, 7 April 2005

Bangalore (Fides Service) - An Inter-religious prayer Meeting was organised by the Archdiocese of Bangalore to pay tribute, show love and to pray for the deceased Holy Father John Paul II, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in India Rev. Siluvai Ignaci, told Fides. Together with the representatives of different religious leaders, Muslim, Hindu, Parsi, Jain, Sikh, Budhist, were present the Governor of Karnataka, His Excellency Chaturvedi, chief Minister of Karnataka, other ministers and other dignitaries to pay homage and pray for Pope John Paul II. “It was moving to listen to the prayers of various religious leaders for the Pope. He is remembered as an Apostle of Inter-religious dialogue recalling the meetings with world religious leaders which the Holy Father presided over in Assisi in 1986 and 1992.
This Inter Religious prayer service was preceded by an Eucharistic Celebration in St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral campus, Bangalore. Archbishop Bernard Moras presided over the Eucharistic celebration and Archbishop Ignatius Pinto, emeritus of Bangalore delivered the homily in which he stressed that John Paul II was a Marian Pope and it is significant that the doors of heaven were opened to him on 1st Saturday of the month. The Governor said: “Pope John Paul was not only a leader of the Catholics, but he exercised moral and spiritual influence on the entire world. Human family of all faiths gathered to celebrate the life of Pope John Paul that reflected God's love for all human beings. His papacy is a historic one. He belongs to every one.” As a mark of respect for the Holy Father, a floral tribute was made by the civil authorities and religious leaders of different Religions. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 7/4/2005)


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