Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 21 (ANI): Former Archbishop of Bombay, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, on Monday condoled the demise of Pope Francis, whom he recalled as a person continuously engaged in promoting peace, compassion, and for the poor.

Speaking to ANI, Cardinal Gracias said that Pope Francis was a person who spent his life for the sake of the people.

'Pope Francis was a person who spent his life for the sake of the people. His messages were continuously for the world and were for peace and compassion for the poor, and the same orientation he wanted in the Church. He spoke so strongly on migration and the rights of migrants. Even in his personal dealings with world leaders, he insisted on this. He had care for nature,' he said.

On the final rites of Pope Francis, Cardinal Gracias said, 'Tomorrow, the cardinals in Rome will meet. I will also leave for Rome in two days. The first thing that they will decide on is when to hold the funeral rites.'

Major Archbishop Emeritus of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, George Alencherry, also condoled the demise of Pope Francis.

'This is heart-rending news that Pope Francis has left us for his heavenly abode. People all over the world are sad about his departure. Everything happens in the providence of god and we accept it and let us be thankful to the god for the gift of francis,' he said.

Describing Pope Francis's life mission, Cardinal Alencherry said, 'The motto of his life is signified by the word 'mercy'. He was merciful to all. He was close to the people, especially to those who were in need. He respected the values of human life and humanity.'

He said that Pope Francis was a man of commitment. 'In history, he will be known as Pope of mercy,' he said.

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced. He had a day ago celebrated Easter and given his customary Easter address in the Vatican square.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was ordained a priest in 1969. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he was elected as the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013. He chose the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.

After a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale, the process of choosing the next pope begins.

The next pope will be chosen by a College of Cardinals, the Catholic church's most senior figures appointed by the pontiff, in Rome in the next few days for the conclave. As of April 19, there are 252 cardinals from over 70 countries, of whom 135 are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope.

Among the 135 cardinals currently eligible to vote in the Papal conclave, four are from India and among them is Cardinal Cleemis. The three others include Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Anthony Poola, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad. Cardinals above 80 do not vote.

Votes are taken each day, morning and afternoon, until a candidate wins a two-thirds majority. If there is no conclusive result after 30 ballots, a candidate will be elected on a simple majority. (ANI)