Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 25: The interfaith community of Mangaluru gathered at Milagres Church grounds to pay tribute to the late Pope Francis. The event, attended by prominent figures, remembered the Pope's humanitarian concern and commitment to interfaith dialogue.

Dr Mohan Alva, founder of Alva’s Education; Dr Jyothi Chelar; Mohammed Monu, former taluk panchayat president; and Fr J B Saldanha, PRO of Mangalore diocese, spoke about the Pope.

The gathering included Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore diocese; Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza; Capt Brijesh Chowta, MP, Dakshina Kannada; Vedavyas Kamath, MLA, Mangaluru South; Harish Poonja, MLA, Beltangady; Padmaraj Poojary, KPCC secretary; Anil Thomas, president, Minority Morcha, BJP; Sathish Kumpala, district BJP president; and Ramanath Rai, former minister.

Fr Walter D'Souza, parish priest of St Sebastian Church, Bendur, and his team conducted the prayer meet. Roy Castelino, PRO of Mangalore diocese, welcomed the gathering, and Aloysius D'Souza compered the event.

Prior to the tribute meet, the community offered a special mass at Milagres Church. The attendees then paid floral tribute to Pope Francis's picture, expressing their respect and condolences.