The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed their sadness over the death of the former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee. CBCI highlighted that in the death of Atal Bihari Vajpayee , India has lost its tallest leaders and the world bids good bye to one of its greatest Statesmen. The Bishops also noted that the Christian community has lost a friend who was attentive to its needs and gave a patient hearing to its concerns.
The circular signed by His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias, President of CBCI, read that “We will remember him as a great orator who charmed the Indian public for decades with a wonderful mixture of poetry and prose, of quotes and shayris, delivered with humor, wit and well-modulated voice. What marked him out was his graceful dealings with all. He will be remembered as a person who cultivated warm human relationships cutting across religious, political or regional divides.” Further, the circular read “The Catholic Church also remembers with affection the very special admiration Mr. Vajpayee had for St. Mother Teresa of Culcatta. Mr. Vajpayee said about the Saintly mother: “At a time when humankind is being increasingly driven by selfish motives, she gave selflessly to those whom society has forsaken and forgotten.. In the age of cynicism she was a symbol of understanding faith.”
The circular was concluded by expressing that “We mourn the demise of a leader who could dream for India with these words: “ I have a vision of India: an India free of hunger and fear , an India free of illiteracy and want. I dream of an India that is prosperous , strong and caring.” CBCI also thanked God “for sending among us such a great soul , a gentleman to the core, a kind hearted person in word and action , one who had friends and admirers across the political and ideological spectrum . May God grant him Eternal Rest.”
