Indian Church pledges total loyalty and allegiance to the new Pope

March 14, 2013: In a statement released on Thursday, Archbishop Albert D’Souza, Secretary General, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, said that the CBCI is pleased to express its deep joy and happiness on the election of the new Pontiff, Pope Francis. He said “The Church in India joins with millions of Catholics around the world in raising our hearts and minds in thanksgiving to the Heavenly Father for providing us a shepherd after the pattern and image of His Son, Jesus Christ, the Supreme Shepherd.

The Church in India pledges its total loyalty and allegiance to the new Pope, Francis I and assure His Holiness of our fervent prayers that the Holy Spirit who inspired the Cardinal-electors to choose Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the successor of St. Peter, may continue to guide and strengthen His Holiness in the discharge of the duties of the Petrine Ministry for the good of the Catholic Church and for the well-being of the entire humanity.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, with humility and satisfaction, takes note of the fact that five of its Cardinals took part in this Conclave, which is unique in the history of the Church in India.”