Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, mourning the loss of a global spiritual leader whose impact resonated worldwide. PM Modi described Pope Francis as a beacon of compassion, hope, and spiritual courage, particularly for those suffering. In his tribute, Modi reflected on the Pope’s lifelong dedication to service, noting his significant influence on inclusive development and global issues like climate change and poverty alleviation.

The Prime Minister’s meetings with Pope Francis were landmarks in India's growing diplomatic and spiritual relationship with the Vatican. Over two separate occasions, these meetings allowed PM Modi to engage with one of the world’s most respected religious leaders, underscoring shared values and mutual respect.

First Meeting: Vatican City, October 30, 2021

The first-ever meeting between PM Modi and Pope Francis took place during the 2021 G20 Summit in Italy. Held at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, the 55-minute discussion touched on pressing global issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global health, climate change, and poverty alleviation.

This historic interaction marked the first official meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and the Pope in over two decades. During their conversation, PM Modi extended an official invitation to Pope Francis to visit India, an invitation that the Pope graciously accepted. Their discussion emphasized their shared values on global peace and sustainability and provided a framework for strengthening India-Vatican relations.

Second Meeting: G7 Summit, June 14, 2024

The second meeting between the two leaders took place during the 2024 G7 Summit in Italy's Apulia region. This meeting was symbolic, with a heartfelt embrace between the two, capturing the essence of their strong bond. Once again, they discussed global peace, humanitarian work, and the importance of sustainability.

PM Modi reiterated his invitation for a papal visit to India, expressing admiration for Pope Francis’s commitment to humanity and environmental justice. The meeting further solidified the relationship between India and the Vatican, reflecting India's respect for religious diversity and commitment to addressing global challenges.

Significance of the Meetings

The meetings between PM Modi and Pope Francis were not just diplomatic engagements but also symbolized the growing partnership between India and the Vatican. These dialogues offered an opportunity for mutual understanding and collaboration, rooted in shared concerns for climate change, peace, and humanitarian issues.

By engaging with the Catholic Church at the highest level, India demonstrated its respect for global spiritual leadership while also reinforcing its values of inclusivity and universal brotherhood. The meetings also highlighted India's role in shaping global discourse on issues like global health, poverty, and sustainability.

Who Was Pope Francis?

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Pope from the Americas. Elected in March 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he was both the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years.

Known for his humility, compassion, and progressive thinking, Pope Francis broke with many traditions. He focused on climate action, economic justice, and the inclusion of marginalized communities. His leadership emphasized the importance of service over luxury, and he lived in modest quarters, reflecting his dedication to serving others. Pope Francis's progressive stance on interfaith dialogue, economic justice, and environmental conservation earned him admiration globally.

Legacy of Pope Francis’s Leadership

Pope Francis's passing marks the end of an era of leadership that advocated for social justice, peace, and the protection of the environment. His advocacy for climate action, refugee rights, and poverty alleviation set the stage for a more inclusive global approach to addressing societal challenges.

As Prime Minister Modi fondly recalled his two meetings with Pope Francis, it is clear that their conversations played a pivotal role in advancing India-Vatican relations and reinforcing global efforts for peace, sustainability, and inclusive development. The relationship between India and the Vatican will likely continue to grow in the years to come, carrying forward the values and ideals shared by both leaders.

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