On Thursday, 22nd May—just a month after Pope Francis bid us farewell—people from diverse walks of life came together at the Ekalavya Training Centre, PARA, in Ravulapalem to celebrate his life and legacy. Among those gathered were believers and nonbelievers, Catholics and people of other faiths—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists—as well as rationalists. It was a true reflection of the inclusive values Pope Francis embodied.
For over 40 years, PARA (People’s Action for Rural Awakening) has worked alongside the most marginalized communities, guided by a mission of compassion and justice. Known for its openness and inclusivity, PARA has always welcomed collaboration with anyone committed to the cause of the oppressed. Since Pope Francis ascended to the Chair of Peter in Rome, PARA found in his leadership a strong resonance with its values. His Papacy brought a refreshing and empathetic approach that deeply aligned with PARA’s vision.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, dedicated his life to serving the poor and marginalized, embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ. Through his humility, compassion, and unwavering advocacy for social justice, he became a beacon of hope for millions around the globe. As the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, he consistently preached a message of love, mercy, and inclusion, while championing interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Approximately 95 people participated in the event. One speaker after another emphasized that Pope Francis was more than the head of the Catholic Church—he was a universally respected global figure who transcended religious, cultural, linguistic, and racial divides. Ms. Gunipe Durga welcomed the gathering.
Diverse Voices Shared Tributes
In her keynote address, Ms. Leela Kumari, an advocate and prominent Dalit feminist activist, underscored the inclusive spirit of Pope Francis’s Papacy. She praised his unwavering efforts to transform the Church into a more participatory institution, boldly challenging the rigid structures of patriarchal clericalism.
Rajesh Edida, State General Secretary of the Human Rights Forum and an avowed atheist, shared how he was deeply moved by Pope Francis’s concern for the environment—what the Pope called “our common home”—as well as his unwavering commitment to justice and peace. Rajesh admitted he was genuinely surprised and impressed to learn that Pope Francis believed that the practice of any religion could lead to God, not just the Catholic faith. For a Pope to make such an inclusive and bold statement, despite likely resistance from traditionalists, was something Rajesh found personally challenging and profoundly admirable.
Mr. Abraham Domathotti, former Director of the Andhra Pradesh Social Service Society, who chaired the event, spoke about his experience attending the Pope’s World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. He recalled Pope Francis’s heartfelt message urging people to center their lives on love, and his reminder to all present that family is love—and that love must be nurtured.
Sheik Ansari, speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, praised Pope Francis for his courageous call to end the violence in Gaza, openly condemning Israel’s actions as genocidal. He commended the Pope’s moral clarity and his unwavering commitment to justice, even in politically sensitive matters.
Bodhi Heen, a Buddhist monk originally from Sri Lanka, reminded the gathering that Pope Francis was, above all, a harbinger of peace—someone whose words and actions consistently reflected the deep values of nonviolence and harmony across faiths.
Fr. Emmanuel SJ shared a personal reflection, expressing how deeply moved he was by Pope Francis, a fellow Jesuit, who centered his life and ministry on compassion, mercy, and inclusiveness. He noted how the Pope’s Jesuit roots shaped his bold, pastoral approach.
Ms. Theresa Achary spoke about the profound insights Pope Francis shared from his time spent hospitalized due to serious health issues. She recalled his poignant observation that “the walls of hospitals have heard more heartfelt prayers than the ornate walls of churches,” and that the farewells exchanged in hospitals often carry more sincere love than those at airports.
Mr. Martin Sudhakar highlighted the tenderness Pope Francis always showed toward children, both young and older. Children were never intimidated by his presence; instead, they embraced him as a loving grandfather. Martin also recalled the Pope’s repeated and passionate advocacy for children’s rights, especially his anguished plea to end the violence against children in Gaza.
Mr. K. Vivekananda Reddy, Convenor of Sri Satya Sai Seva Samasthalu, shared how deeply aligned Pope Francis’s message was with the teachings of Sri Satya Sai Baba. He emphasized the shared values of service, compassion, and universal love that form the foundation of both spiritual leaders’ messages.
Fr. Sebastian M reflected on the smooth and graceful transition of leadership within the Church, noting that the baton has been seamlessly passed to the new Pope, Leo XIV. He drew attention to the simplicity, humility, compassion, and courage that the new Pontiff has already demonstrated in his brief time in office, echoing the spirit of Pope Francis.
As the speakers made their presentations, Ramesh Taritla enriched the experience by sharing short video clips from Pope Francis’s life that beautifully illustrated the themes being discussed. Whether it was a moment of the Pope embracing a child, speaking out for peace, or reaching across religious boundaries, each clip served to deepen the emotional impact of the reflections, bringing to life the values and actions of the People’s Pope.
We were truly blessed by the uplifting and melodious hymns offered by the youth from Manipur and Mizoram, currently interning under the guidance of Pastor Jagjivan. Their heartfelt rendition was a beautiful reminder of God’s unity across cultures.
We were blessed by melodious hymns sung by youth from Manipur and Mizoram who were interning with Pastor Jagjivan.
Prayerful Conclusion
The event then moved into a moment of collective reflection with the recitation of the Prayer of St. Francis: “Make me an instrument of your peace…” This served as a solemn and heartfelt call for all present to dedicate their lives to the promotion of peace and harmony.
The gathering concluded with the collective reading of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution—a powerful reaffirmation of our commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It was both a civic and spiritual pledge to make our lives testimony to the values of justice and peace.
Thomas Pallithanam