Guwahati (Assam) [India], April 21 (ANI): Union Minister George Kurian on Monday expressed his heartfelt condolences on the demise of Pope Francis, describing him as a 'holy person.'

Speaking to ANI, Kurian said that Pope Francis stood for peace and justice, and gave a message of peace to all human beings.

'Pope Francis was a holy person. He stood for peace and justice. He wanted justice for refugees all over the world and peace in war-ridden countries. He gave a message of peace to all human beings,' the Union Minister said.

Expressing grief over the passing of Pope Francis, Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, 'Today is a very sad day. I offer my heartfelt condolences. He was unwell. We were hoping he would come to India this year. This is a sad moment for all Indians.'

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced. He had celebrated Easter and delivered his customary Easter address in St. Peter's Square just a day earlier.

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 Novemdiales, the process of choosing the next pope will begin.

The next pope will be chosen by the College of Cardinals, the Catholic Church's most senior figures appointed by the pontiff, in Rome in the next few days during a 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.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Pope Francis, stating that the Pontiff's 'affection for the people of India will always be cherished.'

'Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself to realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope,' PM Modi said on X.

'I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God's embrace,' the Prime Minister said. (ANI)