Indian bishops, religious welcome new pope

Pope Francis is known to be as orthodox as Pope John Paul II.

(Photo: news.com.au)

New Delhi:  Indian bishops, religious and Catholic groups welcomed the appointment of Pope Francis as the 266th head of the Catholic Church.

“The Church in India pledges its total loyalty and allegiance to the new pope,” said Archbishop Albert D’Souza, Secretary General of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, in a statement.

He said that the Church assures the new pontiff “of our fervent prayers that the Holy Spirit may continue to guide and strengthen him in the discharge of his duties of the Petrine Ministry for the good of the Catholic Church and for the well-being of the entire humanity.”

The Conference of Religious India said the new pope is a Religious belonging to the Society of Jesus (SJ)

History has demonstrated again and again that the charism of religious life rediscovered can bring about sustainable change and growth in the Church in terms of its holiness and effectiveness of her mission, it said.

“The Pope may have less time due to his age but what he represents can empower the Church for a renewed vigor and path ahead,” it added.

The Catholic Secular Forum (CSF), an NGO based in Mumbai, thanked the College of Cardinals for the election of Pope Francis.

“We hail the cardinals’ decision to select a non-European pope, who is known for his concern for the poor and justice issues,” said Joseph Dias, CSF President.

He said that Pope Francis is known to be as orthodox as Pope John Paul II, with regard to the stand of the Church on controversial issues like euthanasia, death penalty, abortion, right to life, human rights and celibacy of priests.

Dias said that this stance can now thankfully be expected to continue.

He said that the CSF would dedicate its annual 26th Good Friday walking pilgrimage to pray for the pope.