Cardinal Poola Anthony with Pope Francis

HYDERABAD: Cardinal Poola Anthony on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, describing him as a shepherd who stood with the poor and the forgotten, and as a prophetic voice for the Church’s mission at the margins.
Cardinal Poola will be leaving Hyderabad for the Vatican to participate in the funeral and the election of the next Pope.

Cardinal Poola emphasized Pope Francis’ commitment to serving those on the peripheries of society

“The passing of Pope Francis marks the end of a profoundly significant chapter in the life of the Church,” Cardinal Poola said, paying tribute to the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
Reflecting on his personal association with the Pope, Cardinal Poola recalled the “singular honour and immense responsibility” Pope Francis placed upon him by naming him a cardinal — a moment he viewed not as privilege but as a call to service.

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“He was a shepherd after the heart of Jesus—simple, sincere, and tirelessly committed to the poor, the forgotten, and the wounded,” Cardinal Poola said, highlighting how Pope Francis made the Church’s mission resonate with people living on the peripheries of society.
Cardinal Poola described the Pope as a man who “dared to dream of a Church that is poor and for the poor,” not merely through words but by embodying values of mercy, dialogue, and openness. He said Pope Francis’ vision turned the Church into “a field hospital” that listened and healed.

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He also noted how Pope Francis’ choice of the name ‘Francis’ was not symbolic alone, but a clear path—one of simplicity, peace, and care for creation. “He reminded us to build bridges, not walls,” Cardinal Poola added.
Even in grief, the Cardinal spoke of hope. “His legacy is not written only in documents, but in the hearts of millions he touched—through his humility, authenticity, and unwavering focus on Christ.”