'A true messenger of Christ's message of love'

Catholics mourn passing of Francis; say his death has left a void in hearts of India's faithful

- FPJ News Service

The Archdiocese of Bombay, with over five lakh members, joined the rest of the Roman Catholic world in mourning Pope Francis on Monday.

The office of Archbishop John Rodrigues said that Pope Francis' departure had left an immeasurable void in the universal Roman Catholic church and in the hearts of India's faithful.

"Our hearts ache with grief as we bid farewell to our beloved Holy Father Supreme Pontiff, Vicar of Christ, and successor of St Peter," the archdiocese said in a statement.

"Pope Francis, a shepherd of boundless mercy, lived the Gospel by walking alongside the marginalized, advocating for peace, and tirelessly calling the Church to be a refuge of healing. His pontificate radiated hope for the poor, the displaced, and all who longed to feel Christ's embrace," the statement added.