THE GOAN tribute to Pope Francis
Pope Francis was a shepherd unto the heart of Christ, opening the Church and sharing the Love of God to every being, without any discrimination. He specially had concern for protecting the nature. He also endeavoured to rebuild the synodal nature of the Church.
We pray that God may grant eternal rest to our Beloved Pope by receiving him in His Loving embrace.
- Fr Barry Cardozo, Director of Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media
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I had no chance in meeting Pope in person but on different occasions I encountered him. First time was in Portugal for world youth day where I was touched when he casually said in his speech “my dear youngsters the burger which we are eating for free today is not actually free but someone has paid and sacrificed for it.” I liked his simplicity and after that in Rome for several occasions during I had encountered him for Angelus and Santa Messa in Basilica of St Peter in Vatican.
- Fr Alfie D’Cruz, Presently pursing his licentiate in the University of Santa Croce
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Pope Francis always presented himself as a pastor, rather a shepherd, and as a disciple of Christ poor and humble. He always made people feel so important every time we met him. From the very beginning, he remained very accessible and approachable to all, particularly the poor and those suffering.
Every personal meeting with him was so special and warm. In one of my meetings, he mentioned how much he longed to visit India; sadly, it remained only a desire. May the Church in India keep alive his rich and inspiring legacy by putting into practice all that we have learnt from him.
- Fr Agnelo Mascarenhas, SJ, Provincial of Pune Jesuit Province
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Over the years, I have had the grace of seeing Pope Francis on multiple occasions, but two experiences stand out vividly in my memory and heart.
The first was on November 5, 2022, during his historic visit to Bahrain. I had the rare and humbling privilege of translating a prayer of the faithful from Italian to Konkani during the papal Mass. The prayer was for the Holy Father himself and for his ministry. To be part of such a moment—representing my language and people before the Universal Church and the Vicar of Christ—was an unforgettable honour.
The second experience took place on November 20, 2024, at the General Audience in St. Peter’s Square. Amidst the vast crowd, as the Pope passed by in the popemobile, I spontaneously cried out, “Papa, benedicimi!” To my amazement and deep emotion, he stopped, turned, looked straight at me, and blessed me. Though I was in the crowd that day, he heard my voice. That simple yet powerful gesture of fatherly attention and blessing touched me profoundly.
Both these encounters reaffirmed for me the humility, attentiveness, and spiritual presence of Pope Francis. He is a shepherd who truly listens, even amidst the noise of the crowd, and a father who reaches out with love and simplicity.
- Fr Joseph Rodrigues, Pursuing doctorate in Rome
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During his 12 years of papacy, Pope Francis was concerned about world peace appealing to leaders of nations to give up arms, bombing, destruction of human lives. He fought for the preservation of environment and ecology through his encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ by drawing a 7-year long plan.
He was fond of the youth and believed in their goodness and potential to create a peaceful world. He was defender of human rights, specially of the rights of unborn and of migrants.
It goes to his credit the convocation of the Synod and the declaration of "Jubilee Year 2025".
Pope Francis was indeed a gift of God to the Church. He steered the ship of St Peter with great dedication and commitment. We celebrate his life and pledge to carry forward his Vision.
- Fr Walter de Sa, Parish priest of Panaji
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Pope Francis will remain as a people-focused pope. He spoke the language of ordinary people, and most messages went viral. I saw Pope Francis at the World Youth Day in Lisbon, and unexpectedly, the Pope turned toward our youth group from the Goan Chaplaincy UK. People are sad and miss a down-to-earth Pope. We seek God’s consolation in such times of sorrow and grief.
- Fr Feroz Fernandes, sfx, Parish Priest of St Vincent the Paul RC Church, Goan Chaplaincy UK
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We have lost a compassionate, caring pastor and guide of the Christian faithful. He was a pope not only to the Catholics but more importantly a friend to all. The world will miss him. May the Risen Lord reward him with Life Eternal.
I had an opportunity to meet him personally in August 2024. His smile conveyed a lot. When he looked at me all that I could say to him was "pace e bene"(peace n goodness)
- Fr Steve Rodrigues, Provincial of Capuchin province Goa
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Pope Francis’ pontificate was focused on the service of the poor, especially the migrants, prisoners and the elderly. He was a forward-thinking Pope who never excluded any one from the Church. He worked together make the Church truly Synodal. He gave women their rightful place. And now we hear that his funeral is to take place in a simple rite.
- Fr Paul Alvares OFM Cap. Superior, Shanti Niwas, Cuncolim
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I had the opportunity to meet the Pope at his general audience at the Vatican when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its peak in India. Holding my hands and silently looking into my eyes, with great concern and compassion, for a considerable period of time, spoke volumes to me about his love, solidarity and outreach to humanity.
- Dr Fr Adrian Fernandes, Pilar Theological College, Pilar
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As a priest, I express my heartfelt appreciation at his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the Church's mission. His words and actions have been the source of inspiration and guidance for me and I'm grateful for his servant leadership. Rest in Peace! Papa Francisco!
- Fr Mateus Fernandes, Former Provincial Superior of Goa Province, Society of Pilar
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Pope Francis showed great love towards the poor and the marginalised. From the day of his papacy, he urged the Church to focus on helping the poor. During his papacy, his focus was on protecting the environment. He dedicated himself to bringing about unity among Catholics and other religious groups. He was the Pope of peace, who showed concern for those suffering from war and called the world to pray for reconciliation. He emphasised synodality, thus helping the Church to walk together. He was a sign of hope to everyone. His legacy and memory will continue for generations to come.
- Fr Myron Jeson Barreto, Chaplain, St Lawrence Chapel, Arossim-Cansaulim
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Today, the Church on earth mourns, while Heaven welcomes home a faithful servant. Pope Francis, the Vicar of Christ and shepherd of souls, has completed his earthly pilgrimage and returned to the loving embrace of the Eternal Father.
As the bells toll in mourning, my heart resounds with both sorrow and gratitude — sorrow for the loss of our Holy Father, and gratitude for the grace I was given to encounter him, not once, but twice.
In 2024, while studying in Rome, I had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis. During my first encounter, I was granted two minutes to speak with him — two minutes that felt both fleeting and eternal. I spoke about my family, my vocation, and the ministry entrusted to me in my diocese.
When I shared that I was celebrating fifteen years of priesthood, he smiled warmly, extended his hand in blessing, and spoke words I will never forget. In that moment, I experienced the Church’s maternal care through her supreme pastor. I left that meeting with tears in my eyes and a strange peace in my heart.
During my second encounter, I spoke to him about my cousin’s daughter — a young girl bravely battling blood cancer. I showed Pope Francis her photo, and he looked upon it with such tenderness that it pierced me. He took the photo into his hands with reverence, closed his eyes, and lifted her in prayer. He prayed not only as the Pope, but as a man deeply immersed in divine compassion.
To have stood before the Holy Father — to have been seen, heard, blessed, and prayed with by him — is a grace I carry in the very marrow of my vocation. These were not ordinary encounters; they were luminous epiphanies of God’s nearness and mercy.
- Fr Victor Sequeira, Diocesan Judge
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The Church and the world have lost a Courageous and Holy Pastor, a leader who led by example. A man for the poor and homeless.
- Fr Tony Alemao, Rector of Provincial House - Odxel
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Pope Francis was known as the Pope of Compassion, a Pope who crossed the boundaries of Catholicism to go into the peripheries of the suffering, of the despised, of the poor and marginalised humanity. He was a non-judgmental Pope who considered everyone a child of God
I was there for his election in 2013 and saw his appearance in the balcony of St Peter's Square with his head bent low asking the faithful to bless him. That was a touching gesture. I also had the pleasure to concelebrate with him for two Chrism Masses. I was privileged to meet him in 2016 during the Year of Mercy. I was standing in a queue. He came and hugged me and blessed me. I cannot forget His fascinating personality.
- Fr Socorro Mendes, Parish priest of St Anthony’s Church, Siolim
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Papa Francesco truly was a living saint amongst us, and I am waiting eagerly for the day when he shall be elevated officially to the Altar.
Papa Francesco, thank you for showing us the practical and humane way of spirituality. Continue to intercede for us to Jesus our Lord.
- Fr Melito D’Costa, Assistant to the Parish Priest Our Lady of Grace Church, Margao
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The passing away of Pope Francis is a great loss to the Catholic Church and to Humanity at large. In Pope Francis, we had a Pope who was an epitome of Poverty and Simplicity and who, in a way revolutionized them on the principles of the Gospel. Doubtless that he took precisely the name of Francis (of Assissi) to take back the Church to its pristine simplicity of the Gospel-living of the first century of Christianity.
He loved to be truly human to the core like Jesus, welcoming sinners and saints alike. Yet he minced no words in downright articulating his concern and anguished compassion when it came to destruction by mindless wars, rejection of the poor and the abandoned, the migrants and socially outcasts. In short, he tried to imitate Jesus in all things, and like St. Paul ‘becoming all things to all men’.
Like St. Francis he had a passion for God’s creation. His Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ is mirror of his deep concern for God’s creation. So very often he raised his voice against the commercialization of God’s creation for profiteering and consequently distorting and destroying God’s beautiful creation.
Pope Francis leaves behind his deep stamp of - faith in God, dynamic pastoral leadership with the overhauling of the Governance in the Church by way of Synodality, agonizing love for creation, abiding virtues of Simplicity and Humility and a deep sense of humane leadership. All these make him a great Pope and could be called ‘Pope Francis the Great’. I believe all future Popes will envy and aspire to imitate him.
May Pope Francis be welcomed be the choirs of angels in heaven.
- Fr Nazareth Fernandes sfx., Superior General of the Society of Pilar
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Pope Francis’ dedication to serving others, his message of compassion, and his tireless work for peace and justice have touched the lives of countless individuals around the world. He will be remembered for his profound impact and his unwavering commitment to his faith and Ecology.
- Fr Bolmax Pereira, Convenor, Diocesan Commission for Ecology
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It is surely a sad day for the Universal Church, which lost one of its most dynamic Shepherds and Servant-Leaders ever.
We bow in a deep spirit of faith and active acceptance of God's salvific Will for His faithful Servant and we pray for his eternal rest.
- Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira, Secretary to Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao
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As our Holy Father Pope Francis left us. As He leaves us, he leaves behind a profound legacy that inspires our Church to strive to become synodal, walking with everyone and listening and discerning God's will. He calls for a Church of Mercy and that of the poor and exhorts us to become compassionate in our Shepherding care and embrace social friendships surpassing all walls of divisions while also caring for the Earth our common home
- Fr Victor Ferrao, Parish Priest of Borim
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During my doctoral studies in Rome, meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of my priesthood, was a God given opportunity and a deeply moving experience. When it was my turn to meet the pope, I was nervous. I even forgot what I had prepared to say. I kissed his hands. 
He held my hands tightly, looked into my eyes. I could feel love, warmth and holiness in his eyes. His face was beaming with joy. He made me feel so much at ease. He asked me some questions and then said “Congratulations for the 25 years of priesthood; you look young and a happy priest; the Church needs happy priests. Serve the Church with joy for another twenty-five years and more. God bless you.” Through this personal encounter, Pope Francis will remain alive forever in my memory. May the Risen Lord grant Pope Francis a place among His saints.
- Fr Donato Rodrigues, Rector, Rachol Seminary
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With deep sorrow in my heart I received the sad news of the demise of our beloved Pope Francis who passed away on Easter Monday at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta. It is a sad day for 1.4 billion Catholics all over the world for whom he was a pastor after the merciful heart of Jesus. With his passing away, we have lost a dynamic leader of the Catholic Church who was a voice for the voiceless and who has served the people of God with love and dedication. Requiescat in pace!
- Fr Eusebio Gomes SFX, Director of Apostolic School and Assistant Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier Church at Hisar in Haryana
