New Delhi (AsiaNews) For Mgr Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Agra and chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), John Paul II's pontificate "had a phenomenal impact in the world, especially in India". In this country, the late Pope "was loved and respected, and not only by Catholics, for the love and respect he showed for our multiculturalism".
Speaking to AsiaNews on the first anniversary of the Pope's death, he said that "one of the best moments of his long reign as head of the Church was the way he connected with youth. Despite his illness, he attended the last World Youth Day which was a great sign of love for young people, a love they reciprocated."
"What was most striking," the archbishop noted, "was the way he left ushis last days were peaceful as if he were preparing a journey and before leaving said goodbye to everyone.
"John Paul II was uniquely important for India. He was respectful of the rich and varied religious heritage of our beloved country, and spoke often about India and the Indian Church. He was always concerned about inter-faith dialogue and honoured our community by using us as an example for respect and love of dialogue".
"The whole of India lovingly remembers the late Pope," said Fr. Babu Joseph Karakombil, CBCI spokesman. "In his visits to our country, he showed interest and appreciation four our cultural and religious diversity."
"John Paul II was able to get Indians to love him, even the millions of non Christians, when he honoured the Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, and remembered his non violent struggle for India's freedom."
The CBCI will hold a public ceremony in memory of the late pontiff in New Delhi. Federal ministers, ambassadors, religious and community leaders are expected. During the service a bronze bust of John Paul II will be unveiled. It is slated to be installed in the CBCI headquarters.