itizens of Kolkata and Bengal came together to pay a heartfelt tribute to His Holiness Pope Francis through a solemn Memorial Service held at the Church of Christ the King, Park Circus. Organized jointly by the Archdiocese of Calcutta, led by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, and the United Interfaith Foundation-India (UIFI), under the guidance of its General Secretary Dr. Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, the event stood as a beacon of interfaith harmony and a true homage to a global champion of compassion and unity.

Amidst a serene twilight, the Church resonated with prayers, hymns, and tributes as representatives from diverse religious traditions converged, bringing their unique wisdom and perspectives. The programme commenced with the introduction by Shane Calvert, outlining the significance of the occasion, followed by a moving prayer song led by Singer Dilip Rozario, Fr. Dominic Gomes Vicar General PRO, and the Sisters of the Church.

Pope Francis was not merely a religious leader but a luminary who transcended boundaries to embody the values of love, compassion, and forgiveness. His tireless efforts to bridge divides and his unwavering belief in the inherent dignity of all people made him a global symbol of hope. Through his remarkable papacy, he championed the cause of interfaith dialogue, urging the world to embrace diversity as a strength and to see differences not as barriers but as opportunities for understanding. Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, in his tribute, emphasized Pope Francis’ unparalleled dedication to humanity. “His Holiness lived as a shepherd for the world, bringing together people of all faiths under the universal values of love, peace, and humility. He was not only a spiritual leader but a global unifier whose teachings will inspire generations,” he remarked.

Satnam Singh Ahluwalia reflected on the Pope’s legacy, stating, “Pope Francis showed us how dialogue and mutual respect could bridge the greatest divides. This service is not only a remembrance but a commitment to carry forward his message of interfaith harmony and selfless service to mankind. His vision of interfaith harmony was not a mere dream but a blueprint for humanity’s collective progress. He showed us that dialogue, respect, and compassion could break the strongest barriers. Tonight, we pledge to honor his memory by carrying his teachings forward, spreading love and harmony wherever we go. In the light of the teachings of His Holiness Pope Francis, the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam are a painful reminder of our shared responsibility to reject violence and embrace the values of compassion, forgiveness, and unity. Pope Francis taught us that dialogue and understanding can bridge even the deepest divides.”

Prayers were offered by prominent faith leaders, including Archbishop Thomas D’Souza (Archbishop of Calcutta),Satnam Singh Ahluwalia (General Secretary United Interfaith Foundation – India and General Secretary Gurdwara Behala),Qari Altafur Rahman (Imam-E-Eidaan) Moulana Syed Zaki Hasan Rizvi,Imam e Jumma(Shia Muslim), David Ashkenzy (Jew), Ervard Jimmy Taraporwalla, Head Priest Parsi Fire Temple (Parsi), Nanak Sambtani (Sindhi), Br. Divakar Chaitanya (Central Chinmaya Mission Trust), Swami Achyutananda (International Vedanta Society), Sister Asmita (Brahma Kumaris), Janab Mustafa (Member of Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat (Bohra), Munni Mani Kumar Maharaj (Jain Monk), Rev Dr Sunil Caleb (Principal Bishops College, CNI Church), Dr Arunjyoti Bhikkhu (Buddhist), Munni Mani Kumar Maharaj (Jain Monk), Maharishi Giri Surya Swami (Gangasagar), Moulana Syed Meher Abbas Rizvi (Member, Waqf Board, WB), Ven Miao Ru (Priest BLIA), Madam Aiyu Liu (Chapter President Buddha Light International Association)among others.

Present were also Hugh Boylan (Consul General Australia), Mr.Maxim V Kozlov (Consul General of Russia) , Mr Kevin Goh (Deputy Consul General Australia) among others. As a symbol of unity, all faith leaders stood together on stage beside the Holy Father Pope Francis photo for a silent prayer. The congregation later offered floral tributes as Dilip Rozario and Fr. Dominic Gomes performed hymns, creating an atmosphere of profound reverence. Messages of condolence from religious leaders around the world added depth to the event. BK Mohini of the Brahma Kumaris noted that “His Holiness truly embraced people of all faiths as his brothers and sisters, leaving behind a legacy of love and understanding.” Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, praised Pope Francis as a man of compassion who “strove to build bridges between people of different faiths and beliefs.”

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Basil Mandi of Christ the King Church, reaffirming the collective resolve of all present to uphold the teachings of Pope Francis. The Memorial Service was not just an event but a heartfelt celebration of Pope Francis’ profound impact on the world. It was a reaffirmation of his vision—a world united in love, where every individual is a custodian of peace and harmony. As the evening concluded, the Church echoed with a shared resolve: to honor His Holiness Pope Francis not only in remembrance but in action, carrying forward his teachings in the pursuit of a better, kinder, and more united world.