Among the first in Asia to comment the election results, the archbishop of Mumbai said that he was especially praying that Obama’s commitment to life would be “good.”

“President Obama’s election brings much joy and hope to the Church of India. The historic victory by an African-American in the US presidential race shows that democracy works. Obama’s win is inspirational and comes just 45 years after the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King,” he said.

“It is a great accomplishment that American society has changed in such a short period of time. Forty years ago people suffered discrimination and prejudices and yet today the people have elected an African-American president. This openness is an opportunity for every society and strengthens Indian society and its hopes.”

For Cardinal Gracias the United States and India have much in common. “India is a mosaic of different peoples and cultures that accept each other; that live and work together. This is India’s greatness.”

At present though, the Indian Church has been subjected to a trial by fire, victimised in a series of attacks by radical Hindu groups who want to impose a one-dimensional nationalism that has no place for non-Hindu minorities.

“This [Obama’s] victory will motivate people to accept each other, to be open to one another, to live in peace and harmony and work for the common good,” the prelate said.

The one flaw in this otherwise almost perfect picture is Barack Obama’s views on abortion.

In recent weeks many US bishops have warned against supporting those who want “to go to complete full-scale war against the unborn.”

Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver said “Senator Obama is the most active pro-abortion politician to run for the Presidency [. . .]. He has committed himself to do things the Church would resist.”

Hence “my only hope,” said Cardinal Gracias, “is that President Obama pro life record will become good.”