Mr. Modi's tirade that the "Pope in Rome must have advised her (Sonia)
to get our Gaurav Yatra postponed" as reported by the press is
disrespectful and insulting. The Pope is not only the spiritual leader
of millions of Catholics all over the world but also the head of
Vatican City, which has diplomatic relations with India and he does not
interfere in the internal matters of any country.

The President of CBCI, Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios of Trivandrum,
terming the accusation of Mr. Modi as hurtful said, " This is a futile
attempt to establish a link between the Pope and Sonia Gandhi by the
Chief Minister of Gujarat and divert the attention of people of Gujarat
from the main issues which the State is facing at present."
The Secretary General of CBCI, Bishop Percival Fernandes said, " It is
unfortunate to note through the press that Mr. Modi in his speech during
'Guarva Yatra' has disrespectfully involved the name of His Holiness,
Pope John Paul II, who is the respected spiritual guide of the Catholic
community in India."

The CBCI calls upon the Election Commission of the county to take
serious note of the statement reportedly made by the Gujarat Chief
Minister against the spiritual leader of the Catholic Community and take
necessary action against him for defaming the name of Pope John Paul
II.

Issued by:
Rev. Dr. Donald H.R. De Souza,
Dy. Secretary General, CBCI