Media Release

Udupi, Apr 25: A solemn memorial service was held at St Annamma Church, Thottam, on Friday to pay tribute to His Holiness Pope Francis, the beloved supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church. The faithful gathered in prayer as a special holy Mass was offered for the repose of the Pope’s soul.

Delivering a moving tribute, parish priest Fr Denis D’Sa described Pope Francis as ‘a people’s pope in every sense.’ He highlighted the Pope’s deep compassion, humility, and unwavering concern for the poor and marginalised.

“Pope Francis taught the world to embrace love, humility, and justice. He was a bridge between tradition and progress, and his commitment to interfaith dialogue and global peace left a lasting mark on humanity,” Fr Denis said, calling his papacy a beacon of hope and unity in a divided world.

The service saw the participation of Church Pastoral Council vice president Sunil Fernandes, Secretary Blesilla Crasta, commission coordinator Vanitha Fernandes, convent superior Sister Sushma, and numerous parishioners who came together in prayerful remembrance.