Pope to Indian bishops: ‘The way of the poor for a synodal style'

The Pontiff's message to the Assembly in Orissa that brings together the 204 bishops of the Latin Rite dioceses. Card. Ferrao: ‘Despite adversity and threats to religious freedom, the Church in India remains alive and firm in the faith’.

Bhubaneswar (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis called on the Indian bishops to give priority to the poor and vulnerable in their ministry, urging them to open wide the doors of the Church.

He did so in his message to the 36th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), underway at XIM University in the archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar in the state of Orissa.

In the text read by Archbishop George Antonysamy, vice-president of the CCBI, the Pope expressed his support. ‘I pray that your deliberations will help the local Churches discern how best to implement the fruits of the synodal journey and inspire many more faithful in their vocation to be missionary disciples,’ the Pope said.

Referring to the Jubilee Year, the Pope expressed confidence in the Church in India, emphasising its role as ‘a sign of hope for the entire nation, always seeking to open wide its doors to welcome the poor and the most vulnerable, so that all may have hope for a better future’.

The assembly was opened by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, who presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration. Archbishop John Barwa of Bhubanewswar welcomed the bishops and dignitaries to Orissa, describing it as the land of vibrant tribal cultures.

In his introductory address, Card. Filipe Neri Ferrão, president of the CCBI and the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), emphasised the growing challenges to Christian life and religious freedom in India.

He recalled the enactment of anti-conversion laws in 18 states and the growing number of incidents of violence against Christians. He called for solidarity, prayer and joint action to uphold the dignity and freedom of the Church. ‘Despite adversity, the Church in India remains alive and firm in the faith,’ he said.

Under the theme ‘Discerning Synodal Paths for Mission’, the assembly brings together 204 Bishops of the Latin Church in India to reflect on the mission of the Church. The first three days of the event are dedicated to a spiritual retreat.

They will then continue until 4 February, reflecting on these ten priorities: formation and synodal way of life; children and families; youth, digital technology and social media; laity and engagement in public life; grassroots ecclesial communities; poverty and a fair economy; ecology, climate and justice; migrants, refugees, indigenous peoples and Dalits; women and gender justice; ecumenism, interreligious dialogue and peace building.