Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has expressed profound grief over the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, hailing him as a beacon of humility, compassion, and peace. In a deeply emotional tribute, the Chief Minister remembered the Pope not only as the supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church but also as a global spiritual leader who touched lives far beyond religious boundaries.
“I am deeply saddened by the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis. As the Head of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope led by example. He was truly a People’s Pope, and his life embodied humility, love, and compassion, which has inspired countless souls,” Sangma said in a condolence message issued on Monday.
Chief Minister Sangma also shared a deeply personal recollection of meeting Pope Francis in December 2022 at the Vatican. “I recall with nostalgia the historic moment I met with the Pope at the Vatican in December 2022, where I requested him to pray for the state, the nation and its people,” he stated, adding that the encounter left a lasting emotional and spiritual impact on him.
Reflecting on Pope Francis’s legacy, the Chief Minister emphasized his role as a champion of peace and a voice for the marginalized. “His Papacy will be remembered and cherished as he advocated for peace across the world,” Sangma said. “Today, we have lost the Shepherd of the Church, a Global Leader, and the People’s Pope. But his life will be an inspiration to all of us. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Pope Francis, widely regarded for his progressive views, simple lifestyle, and relentless advocacy for justice, served as a moral compass for millions. From championing the cause of the poor to addressing climate change and fostering interfaith dialogue, his Papacy was marked by inclusivity and compassion.
As tributes pour in from across the globe, Chief Minister Sangma’s message reflects the deep respect and admiration that Pope Francis commanded, even in far-flung regions like Meghalaya. The heartfelt remembrance by the state’s leader underlines the universal appeal of the Pope’s mission a life dedicated to love, service, and the betterment of humanity.
In mourning the loss of Pope Francis, Meghalaya joins the world in honoring the memory of a spiritual luminary whose legacy will live on in the hearts of millions.(fb)