Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão of Goa and Daman paid tribute to Pope Francis, calling him a “compassionate and courageous shepherd” during a solemn gathering in Benaulim, Goa.
Reflecting on the pope’s legacy, Ferrão, who heads both the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), said the late pontiff “dreamed of a Church that listens, walks together and welcomes all.”
“He showed deep compassion for the poor and the marginalized, especially migrants. His efforts for peace and dialogue among nations will never be forgotten,” he added.
The prelate made the statement during a tribute held at Shanti Sadan, the CCBI Secretariat Extension, two days after the pontiff’s death in Rome at the age of 88.
Cardinal Ferrão is set to travel to Rome on April 24 to participate in the funeral rites and the conclave to elect the next pontiff.
The gathering also marked the launch of the printed edition of Pilgrims of Hope: Discerning the Synodal Path, the final document of the CCBI’s 36th Plenary Assembly. The launch took place during the national meeting of Basilica Rectors from April 23 to 25.
“This final document of the 36th Plenary Assembly offers a clear roadmap to transform our local Churches into truly synodal communities, in line with the vision of Pope Francis,” Cardinal Ferrão said during the unveiling.
Originally published on March 19, the document is the product of a nationwide consultation process involving laypeople, clergy, religious, and bishops.
It reflects collective discernment undertaken during the Plenary Assembly held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4, 2025.
Pilgrims of Hope identifies sixteen major themes for ecclesial reflection and action, including faith formation, children, family, youth, laity, basic ecclesial communities, migrants, refugees, the socially excluded, Dalits, tribals, women, gender justice, poverty, climate care, digital technology, social media, and peacebuilding.
The document complements the CCBI’s pastoral roadmap Journeying Towards a Synodal Church – Mission 2033, both aiming for a Church that is inclusive, participatory, and mission-driven.
“As the Church in India continues this journey,” the CCBI stated, “all faithful are invited to become true ‘pilgrims of hope,’ guided by the Holy Spirit on the synodal path.”
