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Udupi: With Pope Francis becoming a beacon of peace-loving, hope in a world clouded by hatred, war, division. Very Rev. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, said, "He was a great man who preached to the world that compassion and kindness are the best beats of the Church.

He was speaking after presiding over the Sarva Dharma Shraddhanjali programme organized in association with All Karnataka Human Rights Christian Unity Union Udupi district under the aegis of Udupi Catholic Diocese in memory of His Holiness Jagadguru Pope Francis who passed away on Friday April 21

Pope Francis led with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Following the path of truth and righteousness, he lived with integrity, courage and universal love, especially for the poor, needy and the downtrodden, and inspired us to continue the same. His authority was marked by peace, justice, concern for the poor, and a love of creation, a tireless pursuit
Every Christian was called to be instruments of mercy and kindness, visiting prisons themselves, embracing prisoners, washing their feet, visiting immigrant camps, comforting them, and showing that God’s mercy should reach the ends of the earth. He called upon the congregation to always stand by the poor, needy, refugees, the oppressed and the marginalized.

He emphasized on religious harmony and global peace through love, peace and harmony, and reaffirmed the resolve of all humanity to fight injustice and economic imbalance. "The world is one family, we are all brothers and sisters." Through the world circular ’Laudato Si’, he gave the message of ’the liberation of the earth and the insistence on the call of the poor’. He gave the world a model of holistic environmental thinking that nurtures, preserves and allows the next generation to live. In every heart spread the knowledge of Christ, love, mercy. Pope Francis’ life is a beacon of hope, justice and peace for all of us.
Vinay Kumar Sorake, former minister, said, "Pope Francis has gone beyond the walls of religion and become a symbol of all religions. He responded to the unrest as a messenger of peace, setting an example to the world by showing that God is in the hearts of the poor. His humanitarian and loving personality will remain in the society forever.

Very Rev Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, the Vicar General of the diocese, Very Rev Fr Steevan D’Souza, the vice-chancellor, Rev Dr. Roshan D’Souza, Rev Fr George D’Souza, Rev Fr. Vishal Lobo, Rev Fr. Anil D’Souza, Rev Fr. Rajesh Pasannha, Rev Fr. Romio Lewis, Rev Fr. Vijay D’Souza, Rev Fr. Ashwin Aranha, Rev Fr. Alphonses D’Lima, Various Christian sects like Catholic Syrian, CSI and Basel Mission priests and Pastors were present.

Udupi Deanery Dean and parish priest Very Rev Fr Charles Menezes welcomed the gathering and assistant parish priest Fr Leo Praveen D’Souza rendered the vote of thanks. Diocesan PRO Rev Fr.  Denis D’Sa compered the programme.

At the event, tributes were paid to the 29 civilians killed by terrorists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam.